Published on: 3/17/2025
Hot legs at night can be linked to how your body regulates temperature during sleep and may sometimes be related to conditions like restless legs syndrome.
When your legs feel hot at night, several factors might be involved. One reason could be changes in your body’s normal temperature control. Your body naturally changes how it sends blood to the skin when you sleep. This change can sometimes make your legs feel warmer than usual. Some people with restless legs syndrome notice their legs feel hot, and studies show that medications for this condition may change how the body handles heat. Another factor is the room temperature; a warm sleeping environment or heavy bedding might add to the sensation of heat. In addition, your body's natural cycle can affect temperature during sleep, making some parts feel warmer at certain times. To help manage this, you might try adjusting your bedroom temperature, using lighter blankets, or cooling your legs with a fan or cool cloth before sleep. If the hot feeling continues or you have other symptoms, consider talking with a healthcare provider to check if conditions like restless legs syndrome or other sleep disturbances are playing a role.
(References)
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Mold JW, Woolley JH, Nagykaldi Z. Associations between night sweats and other sleep disturbances: An OKPRN study. Ann Fam Med. 2006 Sep-Oct;4(5):423-6. doi: 10.1370/afm.554. PMID: 17003142; PMCID: PMC1578640.
Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012 May 31;31(1):14. doi: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14. PMID: 22738673; PMCID: PMC3427038.
Mohammadi MM, Vaisi Raygani AA. Investigating the Effect of Temperature Therapy on the Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Med Res. 2023 Dec;21(4):216-225. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2023.1824. PMID: 38296642; PMCID: PMC11149955.
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