Is sleeping in the bath dangerous?

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Sleeping in the bath can lead to injuries, heat-related illnesses, or even fatalities.

A relaxing bath after a long day can improve your mood, reduce stress, and relieve aches and pains. However, spending too much time in the tub or falling asleep while bathing can be dangerous.

Young lady asleep in bathtub

The risks of falling asleep in the bathtub

Falling asleep in the bath can lead to serious health risks or even be fatal.

Baths are uncomfortable for sleeping  

Bathtubs are not particularly comfortable for sleeping. While falling asleep in the bath may happen unintentionally, it can have several effects on the body. The bathtub may not be long enough for someone’s legs, wide enough for their shoulders, or provide adequate support for their neck or head. This can put the body in an unnatural sleeping position, leading to soreness, stiffness, numbness, and discomfort. It may also affect their mood when they wake up.

Drowning

Although drowning in a bath is rare, it can happen if the water is deep enough to submerge someone’s face, especially if they fall asleep. Older adults or those with heart problems, particularly those who prefer warmer water, may be at higher risk. If they were to sink into the tub water, they could experience cardiac arrest.

Children are also at risk of drowning, especially if left unsupervised. They can drown in shallow water and often lack the strength to recover if they fall.

Hyperthermia

If someone spends too long in a hot bath they may be at risk of Hyperthermia, where the body overheats. This can lead to heat-related illnesses, like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or heat syncope, which can be dangerous.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down properly. Some of the symptoms of heat stroke include feeling confused, fainting, dizziness, a fast, strong pulse, headaches, and red skin. If someone has symptoms of heatstroke, call the emergency services immediately.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and struggles to regulate its temperature. Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include fainting, dizziness, excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If someone experiences these symptoms and doesn’t take quick steps to cool down, they could develop heatstroke, which is more serious.

Heat syncope

Heat syncope is a mild heat-related illness where someone feels faint or lightheaded. It occurs because heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood flow to the brain.

Difficulty getting out of the bath

Some people, such as older adults or those with medical or mobility issues, may find it difficult to get out of the bathtub, especially if they have been in the water for too long. Prolonged exposure to hot water can lead to overheating or heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or syncope, causing dizziness or light-headedness. Furthermore, spending too long in the bath relaxes muscles and lowers blood pressure, which may result in fatigue or exhaustion, making it harder to get out of the bathtub.

There is also the risk of a slip or a fall, especially if the person feels fatigued, disorientated, struggling with balance and coordination, or the floor is slippery.

Low blood pressure (Hypotension)

Falling asleep in a hot bath can cause overheating and lower blood pressure. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. This may lead to dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting when trying to move. People with low blood pressure are especially at risk, as the hot water can lower their blood pressure even further.

Skin issues

Prolonged exposure to warm water can irritate the skin. It can strip the skin of natural oils, causing it to become dry, itchy, and flaky. Bathing for long periods softens and weakens the skin, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and allergens, which may cause infections and allergic reactions.

Dehydration

Longer hot baths increase the risk of dehydration, as the body loses fluids through sweat. Severe dehydration can lead to complications like kidney failure, heatstroke, and heat cramps.

Dreams and nightmares

A dream or nightmare while asleep in the bathtub could be dangerous. Sudden movements or waking up abruptly could result in an accident, such as someone hitting their head against the bathtub. This may result in a concussion or, in severe cases, leave the person unconscious. If the head becomes submerged in water, there is a risk of drowning or burns from hot water.

Furthermore, someone waking up after a bad dream or nightmare may feel confused or disorientated, increasing the risk of slipping or falling when trying to move.

Hot water scalds

Hot bath water above 38°C can cause scalds, especially those less sensitive to heat or unaware they are getting burned, such as infants, children, diabetics, and those with dementia.

Scalds can be painful and may cause redness, peeling skin, swelling, blisters, or pain around the affected area.

Leaving candles unattended

Candles create a relaxing bathroom environment. However, falling asleep with a candle burning can be dangerous.

If a candle burns for too long, its wick may become unstable, producing a flickering flame that could ignite nearby materials and start a fire. Furthermore, if someone wakes up disorientated, they may accidentally knock over the candle, increasing the risk of a fire.

How to avoid falling asleep in the bath

Consider the following steps to avoid falling asleep in the bath.

  • Limit bath time to around 10 minutes. Use an alarm or timer if necessary.
  • Avoid bathing if you feel tired or fatigued to reduce the risk of falling asleep.
  • Fill the bathtub with a small amount of water to minimise the risk of submerging your head underwater if you fall asleep or have an accident.
  • Never leave a child unsupervised in the bath.
  • Use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Test the temperature with a thermometer, ensuring it does not exceed 38°C to prevent overheating or scalds.
  • Keep the bathroom floor dry and use slip-resistant mats inside and outside the bathtub to prevent slips and falls.
  • Declutter the bathroom to ensure a clear path to and from the bath, removing items that could fall or be knocked over.
  • Install grab bars if needed to assist those with mobility issues or at risk of falling.
  • Use adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid creating a sleepy environment.

Final thoughts

Sleeping in the bath can lead to injuries, heat-related illnesses, or even fatalities. To stay safe, especially when bathing late at night, take precautions such as keeping bath times short, using lukewarm water, limiting the water level, and setting a timer or alarm. Avoid bathing when tired, exhausted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this increases the risk of falling asleep. Occasional bathing is perfectly fine and often better for your skin.

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About the author

Tony Brown is the founder and creator of The Bed Consultant. His career in the bed industry began in 2002. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Administration, Tony joined one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the UK as a bed consultant. Tony has helped thousands of customers find the perfect mattress.

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