Are you one of millions of people who go to bed at night with cold hands or feet? Doctors think your poor blood flow may be impairing your ability to fall asleep.<\/p>\n
In a study published in the science journal Nature (1999; 401:36-37), scientists at the Psychiatric University Clinic in Basel, Switzerland, found that increased blood flow to the hands and feet was the best indicator of the body\u2019s readiness for sleep. In a study that compared the effects of various \u201cinterventions,\u201d including high carbohydrate meals and administration of the \u201csleep hormone\u201d melatonin, warm feet most accurately foretold the onset of sleep.<\/p>\n
Based on the results, the authors predict that any act that \u201cincreases temperature in the extremities\u201d such as placing a hot water bottle on the hands or feet, or covering the feet with socks\u2014should help induce sleep. These measures may be especially helpful for individuals with poor circulation, including the elderly.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the message? If you\u2019re having a hard time falling asleep at night, it may be time to break out the hot water bottle, or an extra blanket. Both are inexpensive and natural ways to drift off into a warm, peaceful slumber.<\/p>\n