Hot water exposure to sleep better
Taking a hot shower or bath 1-2 hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep. Hot water exposure helps your core body temperature drop which is an important part of the process that initiates sleep.
Since the mid 1800s, research has demonstrated a relationship between circadian rhythms and body temperature.
Your core temperature rises during the day, drops before you go to bed, reaches its lowest temperature during sleep, then rises again before waking.
An hour prior to sleep, core body temperature drops 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit.
When you take a hot shower, your heart sends blood to your hands and feet to cool your core and as a result, your body temperature drops.
Your hands and feet are ideal to disperse heat because they have greater surface area than other body parts.
Want to learn more? Check out these studies.