Effects of Bathing and Hot Footbath on Sleep in Winter

Abstract

The effects of daily bathing and hot footbath (immersion of feet in hot water) in winter on the sleep behavior of nine healthy female volunteers were studied. Subjects were assigned to three sleep conditions: sleep after bathing (Condition B), sleep after hot footbath (Condition F), and sleep without either treatment (Control). Polysomnograms (consisting of electroencephalograph, electrooculograph, and electromyograph) were obtained, and body movements during sleep were measured while monitoring both the rectal and skin temperatures of subjects. In addition, subjective sleep sensations were obtained with a questionnaire answered immediately by the subjects on awakening. The rectal temperature increased by approximately 1.0 degree C under Condition B, but this elevation was not observed under Condition F compared with Control. In contrast, the respective increases in the mean skin temperature of participants subjected to bathing and hot footbath were greater than those of Control, although these temperature differences became negligible 2 h after subjects went to bed. The sleep onset latency was shortened under both conditions compared with Control. Body movements during the first 30 min of sleep in Control were greater than under the other conditions. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep decreased under Condition B compared with Condition F, and stage 3 was greater under the latter condition compared with Control. As such, the subjective sleep sensations were better under the two treatment conditions. These results suggest that both daily bathing and hot footbath before sleeping facilitates earlier sleep onset. A hot footbath is especially recommendable for the handicapped, elderly, and disabled, who are unable to enjoy regular baths easily and safely.

Acute effects of warm footbath on arterial stiffness in healthy young and older women

“…We observed elevation of tympanic temperature coincident with the reduction in CAVI immediately after footbath in both young and older healthy women. The significant elevation in core temperature by local warming contrasts with other studies (Liao et al 2008;Sung and Tochihara 2000). Less tissue volume (up to 20 cm above the ankles) and relatively low temperature (constant 41°C) of water may account for this (Liao et al 2008), in the present study, the lowest temperature used is 41°C, which may constitute a greater temperature gradient, and the body part immersed in water involved the whole lower leg and feet, which indicated more heat absorption area.…”

Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage and Foot Bath on the Sleep Quality of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comparative Study

“…Foot warm bath may increase peripheral blood flow and also peripheral temperature due to heat loss without increasing core body temperature, and improves falling asleep and sleep quality (24). It seems that soaking feet in warm water is more effective than taking a bath in terms of facilitating falling asleep and increasing sleep quality; it is recommended to people with disabilities, elderly, and also patients with cardiovascular disease (25).…”

Combined Effect of Heat, Essential Oils and Salt on the Fungicidal Activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in Foot Bath

“…Foot baths are frequently used in aromatherapy, spa therapy and balneotherapy for treating various skin disorders 5,6 , for relaxation to improve sleeping 7 , and to control infection in cattle 8,9 . A foot bath containing essential oils has been recommended for the treatment of tinea pedis 10,11 , although it is not accepted as a well-established treatment modality in dermatology.…”