Temperature biofeedback and sleep: limited findings and methodological challenges

Abstract

Given the close link between body temperature and sleep, the perspective of manipulating core and peripheral temperature by self-regulation techniques is very appealing. We report here on a series of attempts conducted independently in two laboratories to use self-regulation (biofeedback) of oral (central) and hand (peripheral) temperature, and measured the impact on sleep-onset latency, sleep architecture, and circadian phase. We found that hand temperature was more successful than oral temperature biofeedback. Moreover, an increase in hand temperature was associated with reduced sleep-onset latency. However, most participants found the procedure difficult to implement. The temperature response to biofeedback was reduced in the aged and weakest at the time of sleep onset, and there was not a systematic relationship between the change in temperature and change in sleep latency. Methodological limitations and individual differences may account for these results. Recommendations for future research are presented.

The Effect of 5 Minutes of Mindful Breathing to the Perception of Distress and Physiological Responses in Palliative Care Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Dr. Lowenstein's ST SC911 was used to measure skin surface temperatures in this study. The ST SC911 is widely used in clinical research [25][26][27][28] to identify stress levels and relaxation, as well as to see how cognition and emotion impact the human body. Skin response, also known as the galvanic skin response, is a measurement method based on bioelectrical properties of the skin.…”

“…The stress thermometer (ST) SC911 is widely used in clinical research to identify stress levels and relaxation, as well as to see how cognition and emotion impact the human body. [24][25][26][27][28] A decrease in skin surface temperature indicates tension, during which individuals experience nervousness, worry, or stress, while an increase in skin surface temperature indicates relaxation, during which individuals are in a peaceful emotional state. The ST displays the hand skin surface temperature ranging from -58°F to 158°F.…”