Dark Showering: The Nighttime Ritual My Nervous System Loves

Okay friend… I have to tell you about my latest little nighttime obsession: dark showering.

Lately, I’ve been struggling with sleep—tossing, turning, that wired-but-tired feeling that makes bedtime feel more frustrating than restful. So I’ve been gently experimenting with small things that might help, nothing extreme, just simple ways to signal to my body that it’s okay to slow down. It started as a “let me just unwind for a minute” thing… and somehow turned into my favorite off-switch at the end of the day.

Here’s what it looks like for me: I take my magnesium, turn on a gentle sleep meditation, and step into a warm shower with the lights off (or super dim). No bright bathroom lighting. No mirrors shouting to-do lists at my brain. Just warmth, quiet, and that deep exhale feeling like your nervous system is finally allowed to soften.

And the best part? There’s actually some real science nearby that helps explain why this feels so good.

What “dark showering” really is

Dark showering is exactly what it sounds like: a shower in very low light—think dim amber light or near-darkness—so your senses can settle down instead of revving up.

It’s not about being trendy. It’s about creating a tiny pocket of calm where your body gets the message: “We’re safe. We’re done for today.”

The benefits (and the “why” behind them)

1) Less stimulation = a calmer nervous system

Bright light and visual clutter keep your brain “on.” A darker environment removes a ton of input, which many people find naturally soothing—especially at night when our bodies are craving rest.

2) Warm water before bed can help you fall asleep faster

Research suggests that a warm shower or bath in the evening can help you fall asleep faster by supporting your body’s natural cooling process afterward. It’s one of those simple, old-school habits that just works.

3) Low light supports your natural melatonin rhythm

Bright light in the evening can interfere with melatonin (your sleep hormone). Keeping lights low—especially warm, amber tones—helps your body stay in sync with its natural wind-down rhythm.

4) It becomes a boundary between “day mode” and “rest mode”

This might be my favorite part. Over time, your body starts to recognize the cue:

dark shower = we’re landing the plane. And that consistency alone can feel incredibly grounding.

Yes I did mention magnesium

Magnesium has become one of my favorite nighttime supports—especially on evenings when my body feels tired but my mind won’t quite slow down. It’s known for helping support relaxation, easing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system, which can make the transition into sleep feel a little softer and more natural.

I usually take it about 20–30 minutes before my dark shower, and for me, it helps my body start letting go before my head hits the pillow.

If you’re curious and wonder what I use, this is the magnesium powder I keep on hand and genuinely love:👉 Trace Minerals Magnesium Glycinate Powder

No pressure at all—just sharing something that’s been supportive for me. Supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all and you should always check in with your clinician/pharmacist before adding new supplemnts to your daily routine.

Soft Lighting

If candles aren’t your thing—or you just want something a little more practical—I’ve found that a soft amber lamp creates the same calming glow without the worry. The warm light feels grounding in a way overhead bathroom lighting never does, and it instantly signals to my body that it’s time to slow down.

I usually place it on the vanity or a small bench near the shower—just enough light to see comfortably without waking up my brain.

If you’re curious, this is the lamp I use and love:👉 Rechargeable Shower Lamp

It’s waterproof and rechargeable, which makes it easy to move around and perfect for bathroom use. Totally optional—just one of those small swaps that’s made this ritual feel extra cozy and doable for me.

If your evenings feel rushed, your mind won’t quite shut off and your struggling with sleep, you’re not doing anything wrong—you’re just human. This little ritual has become my way of telling myself, you did enough today. Maybe dark showering becomes part of your evenings, or maybe it sparks another small, cozy habit that helps you unwind. If it brings even a little more ease to your evenings, then it’s done its job.

Mahalo ❤️

If this resonated with you, I’d love to invite you into our Mahalo community on Mighty Networks. It’s a space where you’ll find connection, encouragement, and resources to help you live a happier, healthier, more meaningful life—surrounded by people who truly get it.

You can try it free for 7 days and see if it’s right for you.

👉 Join us here – your seat is waiting. We can’t wait to welcome you in.

A quick note on affiliate links

Every now and then, I’ll share links to products I genuinely use and love—things that have found their way into my everyday rhythms and rituals.

I only ever share what I’d recommend to a close friend, and I see these links simply as a way to pass along favorites that have supported my own health and wellness journey. If you choose to purchase through one of these links, it helps support this space—at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for trusting me and for being part of this community—it truly means more than you know.