Why Do Women Always Have Cold Feet in Bed?

Cold feet in bed. They cause a third of women sleep problems. And that while men are hardly bothered by them. Lucky bastards. But let it be a - meager - consolation: cold feet in bed are actually quite normal. When it gets colder, your body pushes heat to the vital organs. To provide these with sufficient heat, it does have to close off small blood vessels such as the capillaries. Mainly the hands and feet suffer from this.

But why do women suffer from cold feet more than men? And what solutions are there? Put your ice clogs against your husband's warm feet? Or put on warm socks for cold feet after all?

Women have cold feet faster than men: Causes

Men don't understand why women complain bitterly about those cold toes and fingers. Understandable, because did you know that a woman's body temperature is on average 0.22 degrees higher than that of men. And yet you hear women say they are cold more often. Research proves that it's not posturing. The temperature of their hands and feet is on average 1.55 degrees colder than that of men.

The Blame of Hormones

Women's body temperature is precisely regulated by the female hormone estrogen. When the amount of estrogen in your blood increases, your body is more sensitive to temperature differences. It immediately explains why women feel colder than usual during their periods.

Bacon vs. six-pack

Women have 10% more body fat than men. Nice and warm, such a layer of bacon? True, although that kite only partially holds true. The more fat on your body, the more your inner, vital organs are protected from the cold. But that also means that less blood then goes to your hands and feet. And heat from outside cannot get into your body as well. Add to that the fact that women have less muscle than men. Muscle mass produces heat, so men are less likely to get cold.

Iron pills or ice cubes

Men have more iron in their blood than women. The latter therefore suffer more from iron deficiency. Iron is necessary for a good blood circulation. When there is a shortage, the blood supply is not optimal. On the advice of your doctor, iron pills can prevent your feet from feeling like ice cubes.

What can you do about cold feet in bed?

Fortunately, there are lots of solutions to warm up your cold feet. With these tips, you'll have warm feet in no time.

1. Exercise: To get your circulation going, exercise is a good remedy. Do you prefer to stay indoors in winter? Then you can limit yourself to some simple exercises. For example, stand on your toes and then slowly touch the ground with your whole foot and then lean on your heel. Repeat that exercise for five minutes. Your feet are guaranteed to feel nice and warm. Are you lying in bed or sitting at your desk? Then spin your ankles in a circle. Do that 40 times per foot and you will no longer suffer from cold feet in bed.

2. Wear wool socks: Put on wool socks even before your feet are cold. Wool retains heat and regulates temperature. As a result, your feet are never too hot or too cold. Feel free to wear them in bed for an undisturbed night's sleep.

3. Sleep under a warm comforter: Rather choose one warm comforter made of natural materials such as down. Did you know that there are even down comforters designed specifically for people with cold feet and lower legs? Those down comforters have an extra warm foot zone, so you can omit that extra blanket.

4. Don't drink caffeine and quit smoking: Caffeine constricts the blood vessels in your feet, making (or keeping) your feet cold. The same goes for cigarettes, by the way. Alcohol, in turn, increases your body's heat loss.

5. Do not sit with your legs crossed: Crossed legs impede proper blood flow. They cut off the blood supply, preventing blood from reaching your feet. In time, this can even lead to aching legs, tingling feet and varicose veins.

6. Watch what you eat: Eat hot foods and foods that stimulate circulation, such as hot peppers, ginger, fish, parsley, onions, apricots, pumpkin seeds, nuts, watermelon and celery.

7. Drink enough water: When your body doesn't get enough fluids, your temperature drops faster.

8. Change baths and foot massages: Before going to sleep, give your feet a changing bath. Alternate hot with cold. Start with warm, finish with cold water. Foot massages also stimulate circulation.

9. Put your feet in bed higher than your heart: It can help to put your legs a little higher. The blood flows easier to the heart that way, which stimulates blood flow.