How to Warm Up Cold Feet in Bed

Lying awake with feet that feel like blocks of ice is no fun. It seems to take forever to warm them up. Here are some ways to take the chill off.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• socks
• a pet
• hot water bottle
• electric blanket

1. Whatever you do, don't put your feet on a sleeping spouse to warm them up. This could cause severe strain on a relationship. It's OK to place them within a few inches to try soaking up any heat they may radiate.

2. 

   The area behind your knee usually is warmer. Pull up your right knee and tuck the right foot behind the left knee. Alternate feet as they gradually warm up. Try to do this without waking the other person in bed. Not easy, but the best way to warm the feet that I've found.

3. 

   A pet is helpful for warming feet in bed. Get the dog or cat to curl up at the foot of the bed. This has a multiplier effect, so two pets are twice as effective as one.

4. 

   Soak in a warm bath right before bedtime. Dry thoroughly and get quickly into bed before the warming effect wears off.

5. 

   Some people find relief by wearing socks to bed. That doesn't seem to work for me. Inside the socks, my feet are still frigid. Give it a try, as it's a low cost solution. At least it protects the person sharing the bed from your cold feet.

6. 
   Heat the brick and wrap in a towel

   There are some old-fashioned remedies like a hot water bottle or a warmed stone or brick wrapped in a cloth. Put your tootsies against that to warm them up. Most people don't want to bother with a vintage bedwarmer (hot coals in a metal container on a stick). Put it between the covers to warm the bed and remove it before getting in. The average household no longer has hot coals on hand and I have no idea where you would even buy one.

7. Try using mind power. Mentally transport yourself to a tropical beach. Feel the sun beating down on your legs and feet. Note the heat radiating up from the sand.
   Next, imagine yourself in front of a roaring fire. Rest your feet next to the fire and let the heat soak into your feet.
   If this is working, then drift off to sleep with warm feet.

8. If cold feet are a continual problem in bed, purchasing an electric blanket may be a good investment.

9. 

   Moving to an area with a warm climate provides a fairly permanent solution to the problem of cold feet. The usual spots for Americans are Florida, South Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, southern California and Hawaii.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with a doctor to see if circulatory problems are the cause of the cold feet. Find out what medical remedies might be available for the problem.

[askapeach]

on 10/29/2009 Cold feet are no fun! I'm bad, I just snuggle up to my husband who is like a perpetual hot blanket. Yeah, he doesn't always appreciate my cold feet. Thanks for the good tips. He will appreciate them!

[scpeek03]

on 1/13/2009 The pet can help, but something else that helps is if you use a rice bag and warm it for about 3 to 5 mins. It is better than an electric blanket and saves even more money.

[Rachellewms]

on 11/25/2008 Great Article. I think I'll so an ebay search to see if I can find a vintage bed warmer. Nice Article :)

[gailM]

on 11/25/2008 A doctor told my Dad to wear a stocking cap to bed and his feet would not get cold. Worked for him. Now someone need to write an eHow to make a stocking cap to sleep in!

[Joan19]

on 11/25/2008 Bed warming pans are now sought-after as pub decorating bric-a-brac, and can still be found in some antique shops here.