Thermoregulation in Sleep Disorders—Comprehensive Review

Sleep is tightly regulated by thermoregulatory processes that include core body temperature (CBT) modulation, the distal-proximal temperature gradient (DPG), and melatonin rhythms. In this review, we examine how these factors intersect with sleep physiology and contribute to the pathophysiology of common sleep disorders such as ADHD, insomnia, narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), depression, and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). We discuss evidence showing that delayed or disrupted CBT minima, impaired DPG, and altered melatonin secretion can prolong sleep latency, fragment rest, and lead to daytime symptoms. In addition, we explore temperature-based interventions, including foot baths, passive body heating, whole-body hyperthermia, and adjustments in room temperature, which have demonstrated potential to mitigate symptoms and enhance sleep quality. Collectively, these findings emphasize the need for personalized interventions to address thermoregulatory disruptions, presenting a noninvasive avenue for more effective sleep disorder management.