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Me, I don’t have a problem falling asleep. Maybe it’s because I’m exhausted from chasing two young kids all day, or for the knowledge that the little one is probably going to wake me up in a couple of hours for whatever reason he deems more important than my sleep. Whatever the reason, I’m out like a light when my head hits the pillow.
My son and my husband are the opposite, though, and can flip and flop for hours before finding their way to dreamland.
Image Credit: Pixabay
If you’re more like them, then you might be interested in this simple practice that could help you snag some much needed z’s without so much work!
And when I say simple, I mean, it’s probably something your mom told you to do when you were little…
https://www.instagram.com/p/NU9fe8R_2h/
Stick one foot out from under the covers.
I know. But it turns out there’s some science behind why this helps – and it has to do with keeping your body at the optimal temperature for snoozing.
According to the video below, higher internal body temperatures are associated with keeping you more alert and awake, and the opposite – cooler internal body temperatures help us relax and sleep – is also true.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br99o97haPL/
By uncovering one foot, you help your body dissipate body heat, and cool the temperature of your blood in the process. This happens because our feet and hands contain vascular structures that can exchange heat more effectively than, for instance, your core.
The cooler blood then circulates through your body, lowering your internal temperature and helping you drift off without so much trouble.
It turns out your mom did know a thing or two after all. Who knew?
So best of luck, my tossers and turners. I don’t envy you!
