Cool Room, Warm Feet Means Better Sleep

If you toss and turn at night, counting sheep, staring at the hands of the clock as they slowly tick away each minute less of sleep you're getting, try lowering the temperature in your room. The New York Times reports that lower temperatures — between 60 and 68 degrees — are the best to get you into blissful slumber.

There are a number of folk remedies for sleeplessness (one of which I use myself, a big ol' bag of lavender, which is known for its relaxation qualities, hangs off the headboard), but studies have shown that decreases in your body's core temperature is the catalyst for sleepiness. And for those of use who are really at odds with catching forty winks, try a hot water bottle at your feet, which rapidly dilates your blood vessels, in a cooler room. (Studies show that chronic insomniacs have a higher internal furnace than normal sleepers.) The combination should have you drifting off to sleepy time in no time.

Read the full piece here and then zzzzzzzzzz.

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu