Why Do My Hands and Feet Specifically Become Hot at Night?

Your body has a natural way of getting ready for sleep by adjusting its temperature. In the evening and during sleep, your body helps lower your core temperature by widening the blood vessels in your hands and feet—a process known as vasodilation. When these vessels widen, more warm blood flows to your skin's surface, making your hands and feet feel hot. This increased blood flow helps release heat from your body, which is important for starting and maintaining a good sleep. Research shows that changes in thermal perception and even a warm bath before bed can enhance this process, making you feel sleepier. This mechanism is part of your circadian rhythm, which helps regulate sleep and wakefulness. So, if you notice your hands and feet feeling warmer at night, it’s typically a normal response as your body gets ready for sleep. If you ever worry about these changes or if they come with other unusual symptoms, it's always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider.