A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that people with warmer hands and feet—meaning a higher DPG—fell asleep significantly faster than those whose extremities were cooler.
Exposing one foot can raise that gradient quickly, helping the body release heat without needing to throw off all the bedding or dramatically lower the room temperature.
Other ways to support natural cooling
Letting one foot “breathe” is simple, but combining it with other temperature-supporting habits can make your bedtime routine even more effective:
Take a warm bath one to two hours before bed. This raises skin temperature, and as you cool down afterward, the body naturally shifts into sleep-ready mode.
Keep your bedroom cool—ideally around 65°F to 68°F—as recommended by the Sleep Foundation.
If you usually feel cold, warm your feet before bed using socks or a short foot soak, then remove layers if needed to fine-tune comfort.
