Why you get cold when you are tired

Short answer: When you are tired, your body lowers its metabolism to save energy. A lower metabolism means less heat, which is why you feel cold more easily. In the evening, this is reinforced by the body also lowering its temperature ahead of sleep.

Metabolism drops

Tired bodies produce less heat than rested ones. When you are tired, the body turns down its consumption to conserve strength, and some of the energy that would otherwise become heat is not used. You often notice it first in your hands and feet. It is not the room that has become colder, but you producing less heat.

The body prepares for sleep

In the evening, the body lowers its temperature in preparation for sleep. That is a natural part of your daily rhythm. The drop helps you fall asleep, but it also means you can feel cold sitting on the sofa. When tiredness and evening meet, the two work together, and the cold becomes more noticeable.

An extra layer in the evening

That is why you want a blanket at ten in the evening but not at three in the afternoon. An extra layer of clothing is a simple solution that follows your body instead of heating the whole room. A soft sweatshirt is easy to pull on and easy to take off at bedtime. See our bamboo sweat for men and women.

Why a layer beats the heating

If you turn up the heating, the whole home gets warmer, including the bedroom where your body later needs to cool down. A layer of clothing can come off when you go to bed, so the body can release heat again. That gives you more control. Think of it as following your body's rhythm rather than working against it.

Soft clothes for quiet hours

In the evening, most people want something that feels nice to wear. Soft fabrics feel pleasant against the skin, and loose styles let you sit however you like. Choose something that keeps you warm without squeezing, so you can relax. Browse all our clothing for women for soft everyday basics.

Feet and hands first

When the body saves heat, it prioritises the internal organs. Hands and feet therefore get less warmth, and that is often where you feel cold first. A pair of warm socks or a top with long sleeves can make a real difference. They are small things, but they target exactly the places where the cold arrives first.

Sleep is the real solution

An extra layer helps in the moment, but it does not fix the tiredness. If you do not get enough sleep over a period, you will probably feel cold more often. Try to go to bed at regular times and give yourself time to wind down. If you often feel cold without an explanation, talk to your doctor about it.

Dress for the time of day

Many people get dressed in the morning and do not think about their clothes for the rest of the day. But the body's needs change. In the evening it makes sense to have an extra layer ready. Leave a soft top by the sofa so it is close at hand. See the most popular styles for women.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you feel cold when you are tired

Because the body lowers its metabolism to save energy. A lower metabolism means less heat production, and you notice it first in your hands and feet.

Why is it worst in the evening

Because the body is also lowering its temperature in preparation for sleep. The two work together, which is why the cold is more noticeable late in the day.

What helps

An extra layer in the evening rather than turning up the heating. It is your body that has changed, not the room, and a layer can come off again at bedtime.