When summer nights turn sweltering and sleep becomes a struggle, your first instinct might be to jump into a cold shower to cool down. But despite how tempting it sounds, one sleep expert says it could actually keep you awake.

Trying to get comfortable in the heat can feel nearly impossible. Fans might blow air around, but if your body temperature stays high, falling asleep can still be a challenge.

While a cold shower seems like the logical fix, experts suggest it may do more harm than good when it comes to winding down.

Why Cold Showers Could Keep You Up

Ashley Hainsworth, a bed furnishings expert from Bed Kingdom in the UK, warns that a cold or even lukewarm shower might be too stimulating right before bed.

“If you’re already feeling cool and refreshed when getting into bed, it’ll be easier to fall asleep,” she explained. “A cool or lukewarm shower may seem like the obvious choice, but they can be stimulating and may keep you energised for longer, preventing a good sleep.”

Rather than helping you relax, the cold water might boost your alertness—exactly the opposite of what you need before bed.

Cold Showers Are Great—But Not at Night

Dr. Shereene Idriss Shokeen, founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Institute in California, spoke about the benefits of cold showers on the HuffPost podcast Am I Doing It Wrong?