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Warm feet promote the rapid onset of sleep

Author

Listed:
  • Kurt Kräuchi

    (Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory, Psychiatric University Clinic)

  • Christian Cajochen

    (Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory, Psychiatric University Clinic)

  • Esther Werth

    (Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory, Psychiatric University Clinic)

  • Anna Wirz-Justice

    (Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory, Psychiatric University Clinic)

Abstract

Even healthy people occasionally have difficulty falling asleep. Psychological relaxation techniques, hot baths, soothing infusions of plant extracts, melatonin and conventional hypnotics are all invoked in the search for a good night's sleep. Here we show that the degree of dilation of blood vessels in the skin of the hands and feet, which increases heat loss at these extremities, is the best physiological predictor for the rapid onset of sleep. Our findings provide further insight into the thermoregulatory cascade of events that precede the initiation of sleep1.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Kräuchi & Christian Cajochen & Esther Werth & Anna Wirz-Justice, 1999. "Warm feet promote the rapid onset of sleep," Nature, Nature, vol. 401(6748), pages 36-37, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:401:y:1999:i:6748:d:10.1038_43366
    DOI: 10.1038/43366
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    Cited by:

    1. Enrico Longato & Maria Garrido & Desy Saccardo & Camila Montesinos Guevara & Ali R Mani & Massimo Bolognesi & Piero Amodio & Andrea Facchinetti & Giovanni Sparacino & Sara Montagnese, 2017. "Expected accuracy of proximal and distal temperature estimated by wireless sensors, in relation to their number and position on the skin," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(6), pages 1-13, June.

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