Question: I have insomnia and sometimes cold hands and feet when I wake up, which makes falling back to sleep that much more difficult. I have tried everything over the years, including sleeping pills. What do you recommend?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Cold hands and feet upon waking are unusual, so you should seek an evaluation for possible circulation problems that may be causing this. Have your doctor check your arterial circulation, and evaluate you for vasculopathy or neuropathy. Remember that it is much easier to prevent a neuropathy — a form of nerve damage — from progressing that to try to mend often irreversible damage.
Many forms of neuropathy are related to occupational and household toxin exposures, as well as to underlying diseases such as diabetes, lead poisoning. It can also be caused by some drugs, foods, and alcohol that some of us cannot process properly.
Sleeping pills are not a solution. I recommend you see your family physician right away and, if necessary, consult a specialist in rheumatology or neurology.
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