Ideal bath temperature guide: What is it?

Coming home after a long day at work and unwinding before bed is one of the things many of us look forward to every evening. One of the best ways to do that is to spend time relaxing with a warm bath. However, it can sometimes seem like a guessing game trying to run the perfect bath. Much like Goldilocks, sometimes we find it too hot, other times too cold, and when we’re lucky it’s just right.

Baths have long held their importance throughout society from Roman times to the art of Forest Bathing in Japan more recently. The temperature of our water is one of the biggest factors when it comes to our bathing rituals. So, how exactly do we find the ideal bath temperature?

1. What is the ideal bath temperature?
2. Benefits of a warm bath
3. Why is a bath that’s too hot bad for you?
4. How long should you stay in the bath for?

What is the ideal bath temperature?

Running the perfect bath isn’t as difficult as it might seem, but you might be wondering how hot a bath should be. The ideal temperature for a bath should be a few degrees above body temperature. The human body sits at a temperature of around 37 degrees, so ideally your bath should be between 40-45 degrees. Some elements of this will, of course, come down to personal preference and may change slightly based on your body temperature and room temperature.

It’s important to note that the ideal temperature for babies and elderly people varies from this temperature range. For these groups, water temperature should be closer to body temperature, at around 37-38 degrees.

Benefits of a warm bath

Now that we know the ideal temperature for a bath, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that have been attributed to taking a warm bath.

• A warm bath approximately 90 minutes before bed promotes better sleep helping to regulate your circadian rhythm
• Can help achy muscles and joints
• Helps balance your hormones as warm water can increase levels of serotonin which is associated with happiness
• More moisturised skin, hair and eyes as our body ‘drinks’ in the hydration it requires externally in addition to what we drink
• Optimises core body temperature as it is one of the quickest and most effective ways of regulating temperature

Why is a bath that’s too hot bad for you?

While you might be tempted to run the bath a little hotter than usual when you’re feeling particularly cold or you may simply enjoy a very hot bath, it’s not such great news for your health. Apart from risking scalding from water that is too hot, it can also dry your skin out.

Those who experience heart conditions are also better off bathing in cooler temperatures, as overheating can put stress on your body and heart. The best way to assess if your bath is too hot before you step in is to put your hand in. If it feels uncomfortable or very warm, cool it down a bit before hopping in the tub for a soak.

Despite many people sharing a love of baths, we understand they aren’t for everyone. That’s why at Premier Care in Bathing we also offer a range of walk-in shower and wet rooms solutions for your home. Of course, if baths are your preferred choice, our walk-in baths is a great place to start.

How long should you stay in the bath for?

Once you’re in your place of zen, it can be tempting to stay semi-submerged for a long time. The optimum time recommended to bathe is between 15 and 30 minutes. This is generally judged to be a sufficient amount of time to wash your hair and body (and of course to relax and unwind!) without experiencing any adverse effects.

In certain cases, staying in the bath for an extended period of time beyond this can lead to dry skin, dehydration, overheating and skin irritation. It's important to be mindful of your body's signals during a bath. If you start to feel lightheaded, too hot, or uncomfortable, it's a good idea to get out.

If you’re taking a therapeutic bath, for certain muscle or skin conditions, you might need to stay in for longer than half an hour. On these occasions, it's best to consult your healthcare professional for exact guidance.