Sleep skin temperature refers to the temperature of your skin while you are sleeping. It's a metric that can be tracked by wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches. During sleep, skin temperature is generally above 35°C and is minimally different between the proximal (close to the body core) and distal (further from the body core) areas.
Factors affecting sleep skin temperature include:
- Circadian rhythm: The natural sleep-wake cycle influences skin temperature fluctuations, typically lower during sleep.
- Environmental factors: Room temperature, bedding, and clothing can impact skin temperature.
- Health conditions: Certain illnesses, like infections, can cause elevated skin temperatures.
Interpreting sleep skin temperature:
- Changes in skin temperature during sleep can indicate sleep quality. Consistent, higher skin temperature with minimal fluctuations might indicate better sleep.
- Large spikes in skin temperature during the night could be a sign of overheating, which might disrupt sleep.
- Monitoring skin temperature can be a helpful indicator of overall health and wellness.