World Sleep Day 2023: Sleeping With Wet Hair, Is It Bad For Your Health?

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World Sleep Day is observed every year on the Friday before the northern hemisphere vernal equinox, and this year (2023), the day falls on 17 March.

Organised by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society, formerly the World Association of Sleep Medicine, World Sleep Day was first observed in 2008.

The theme for World Sleep Day 2023 is "Sleep is Essential for Health."

The day is observed to celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep and raise awareness of the burden of sleep problems and the associated medical, educational and social aspects. In addition, World Sleep Day also focuses on promoting the prevention and management of sleep disorders [1].

In the event of the world sleep day, let's take a look at whether sleeping with wet hair is bad for your health or not.

Sleeping With Wet Hair, Is It Bad For Your Health?

The best way to relax after a stressful day is to take a hot bath or shower at night.

As a change in body temperature may bring on a sleepy feeling and assist one in falling asleep more quickly, a number of studies have shown that taking a hot bath or shower before bed can improve sleep quality [2].

In many cases, bathing at the end of the day involves washing your hair, which may still be wet when you go to bed. It is commonly believed that sleeping with wet hair increases your chances of catching a cold the following morning.

Ideally, you should go to bed with your hair completely dry to minimise your risk of fungal infections and hair breakage caused by sleeping with wet hair.

What Are The Side Effects Of Sleeping With Your Hair Wet?

Here are the effects of sleeping with wet hair:

1. Cold

There is no evidence to support the belief that one can catch a cold from going to bed with wet hair. When one gets a cold, it is due to being infected with a virus [2].

The virus enters your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes and is spread through droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. You can also catch it by touching a contaminated surface or hand-to-hand contact with an infected person - but it cannot be contracted by sleeping with your hair.

2. Hair breakage

There is some risk associated with sleeping with wet hair. Hair is at its weakest when wet, so when tossing and turning during sleep, the most likely outcome is the breakage of hair.

If you cannot avoid sleeping with wet hair, you should leave it down. This is especially important if your hair is braided or tied in a tight updo. If you can't avoid sleeping with wet hair, it is best to leave it down.

3. Fungal infections

You are more likely to develop dandruff or dermatitis when you sleep with wet hair. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can cause these conditions [3].

Additionally, pillows, along with the fungus naturally present on your scalp, serve as a breeding ground for the fungus. Because fungi thrive in warm environments, wet pillowcases and pillows make ideal breeding grounds for them [4].

How To Sleep With Wet Hair?

In the event that you are unable to completely dry your hair before going to sleep, here are some steps you can take to make going to sleep with wet hair as safe as possible:

• Use a conditioner
• Apply coconut oil to your hair before shower
• Use a silk pillow
• Dry and detangle hair as much as possible

On A Final Note...

Wet hair may also cause a sore throat, acne, and fungal infections, in addition to colds, fungal infections, and hair breakage. You should also start your bedtime routine earlier to ensure that your hair will have enough time to dry before getting into bed.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.