Everyone has a nighttime routine. Some people read a book. Others scroll through their phones or watch television. But for many people, one ritual feels non-negotiable: taking a shower before bed. No matter how late it is or how tired they feel, they refuse to get under the covers without first stepping into the shower. At first glance, the habit appears to be about hygiene. But psychology suggests there may be much more happening beneath the surface. People who consistently shower before bed are not necessarily obsessed with cleanliness.
In many cases, they may be using the ritual as a psychological tool to separate the demands of the day from the rest and recovery of the night. Several psychological theories help explain why this simple habit can feel so important.
