The “Dark Showering” Trend: What It Teaches Us About Bathroom Lighting

A Wellness Trend That Highlights the Power of Light

A new wellness trend known as “dark showering” has been circulating on social media. The idea is simple: instead of turning on bright bathroom lights before bed, people shower in low light or near darkness to help their bodies wind down.

While it may sound unusual, there is some science behind the concept. A recent article from RTÉ explained how evening light exposure affects sleep. Research referenced in the piece shows that bright light at night can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles, while causing a spike in cortisol.

This means that the lighting we use during our evening routines can play a bigger role in sleep quality than many people realise.

Why Bathroom Lighting Matters at Night

Most bathrooms are designed with bright, functional lighting. Overhead lights and illuminated mirrors are ideal for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or skincare. These lighting setups are typically designed to help us wake up and ready to start the day.

However, using the same lighting late in the evening can have the opposite effect. Bathrooms are often among the brightest rooms in the home, and switching on strong lighting at night, especially light that contains blue tones, can signal to the brain that it’s still daytime. This can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, making it harder to wind down.

Check out our YouTube channel, where we discuss the science behind blue light and its impact on melatonin!

Designing a Bathroom That Works Day and Night

Thoughtful bathroom lighting design can solve this problem. Instead of relying on a single bright ceiling light, designers often use layered lighting to create a flexible space.

For example:

• Task lighting around mirrors for grooming
• Ambient lighting to provide softer overall illumination
• Accent lighting to add warmth and atmosphere

Subtle lighting under cabinets or along the floor can also provide gentle nighttime visibility without flooding the room with light. Have a look at our YouTube Channel, where we explore low level lighting.

Transform Your Bathroom with Thoughtful Lighting

Trends like dark showering highlight how lighting influences our daily routines. A well-designed bathroom should support both energising mornings and relaxing evenings.

Want to get your bathroom lighting right? Sign up for our Online Residential Lighting Design Course and learn how to light your home like a professional.