Many people find it oddly comforting to let their feet dangle outside the blanket at night. But does this simple habit actually speed up the process of falling asleep?
Sleep scientists haven't conducted formal studies on this exact practice, but a well-supported theory explains why it might work.
Your body's core temperature plays a key role in sleep regulation. We sleep most soundly in a cool environment. Right before drifting off, your temperature naturally dips slightly, and during deep sleep, it can drop by up to two degrees below your waking baseline.
Read also: 'With these natural sleep remedies you fall asleep better'
This is why a warm bath or a glass of warm milk often promotes sleepiness. Once you exit the bath or finish the drink, your body temperature cools, mimicking the natural pre-sleep drop and signaling it's time to rest.
Exposing your feet to cooler air creates a similar localized cooling effect. This can help lower your overall body temperature more quickly, potentially easing you into sleep faster.
