The brain doctor: I’m shocked — this shower habit increases the risk of a stroke during the night | Health tips for seniors

to: taking very hot showers right before bed

A habit many seniors enjoy is taking a long, hot shower or  bath just before bed. While this can relax sore muscles, the rapid drop in blood pressure that follows can cause a feeling of unsteadiness when getting out of the shower or during the night.

Here’s what happens in the body (in simple terms):

• Hot water dilates the blood vessels near the skin
• This can temporarily lower blood pressure
• In a person already suffering from hypertension or other cardiovascular problems,