How Nutrition, Exercise, Tech & Sex Affect Your Sleep w/Andrew Huberman EP 1219
The School of Greatness
Lowering Body Temperature to Fall Asleep
Lowering body temperature is essential for improving sleep quality. Surprisingly, a brief exposure to heat, such as taking a hot shower or using a sauna, can aid in this process. This occurs because heating the body prompts the brain to cool the core temperature, leading to sleepiness. After the hot exposure, rinsing with lukewarm water for a short duration before bedtime can further facilitate a drop in body temperature, enhancing the likelihood of falling asleep. However, excessive cold exposure or cold showers late in the day can be counterproductive, as they may stimulate the body and increase alertness. Instead, a cool sleeping environment is recommended, though care should be taken to avoid extreme cold that may lead to shivering or adrenaline spikes, which can disrupt the ability to fall asleep.
