Feet get hot at night due to blood flow changes, bedding, or nerve problems such as neuropathy. See a doctor if it is persistent or painful.
Common causes
- Warm bedding or room.
- Peripheral neuropathy and diabetes.
- Hormones in menopause.
- Athlete’s foot.
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Erythromelalgia (rare).
What helps
- Cool foot soak.
- Breathable cotton socks.
- Keep the room at 65 to 68°F.
See a doctor
If burning continues or comes with numbness or redness.
Body temperature and circulation
Feet can feel hot at night because the body sends blood to the extremities to release heat when you sleep. Heavy blankets, warm sheets and room temperature can add to it.
Common causes
- Warm bedroom and bedding.
- Socks or synthetic materials trapping heat.
- Fungal infection like athlete’s foot.
- Hormonal changes: menopause, pregnancy.
- Peripheral neuropathy, which can cause burning, particularly at night. Diabetes is the leading cause.
- Vitamin B deficiencies.
- Alcohol-related nerve damage.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Erythromelalgia: a rare condition with intense burning, redness and warmth in the feet or hands.
- Kidney disease.
- Burning feet syndrome.
- Medication side effects.
- Small fiber neuropathy.
What helps
- Sleep with feet outside the covers or use lighter bedding.
- Wear cotton socks or go barefoot.
- Soak feet in cool water for 5 to 10 minutes before bed.
- Elevate feet on a pillow.
- Keep the bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees F.
- Treat fungal infection with antifungal cream.
- Avoid alcohol before bed.
- Use a fan.
- Check blood sugar if you have risk factors.
Neuropathy treatment
Doctors may prescribe duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin or topical lidocaine or capsaicin.
See a doctor if
Burning is persistent, worsening or comes with numbness, tingling, color changes, sores, weakness or if you have diabetes. A doctor may check blood sugar, vitamin levels and thyroid function and do a nerve exam.
Circulation and nerves
Hot feet at night can result from peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, burning feet syndrome, hormonal changes (menopause), thyroid disease, vitamin B deficiency, alcohol use, athlete’s foot or simply warm bedding. Diabetes affects roughly 38 million Americans, according to the CDC, and nerve damage is a common complication.
Practical steps
Cool the feet by leaving them outside the covers, using breathable cotton socks and a lukewarm foot soak. Check blood sugar and vitamin B12 levels with a doctor. Medications for neuropathy include duloxetine, pregabalin and gabapentin. See a doctor if burning is persistent, associated with numbness, skin changes, ulcers or swelling.
Based on data from the CDC and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
