Sleeping colder?

[TwoSpirits]

So I was finally able to get out for a couple of nights last week while the weather was practically perfect (in between flooding rains, that is), with temps ranging from mid 50's during the day and down to low 30's at night. Except that those night temps weren't perfect at all -- I found myself unusually & quite unexpectedly cold.

For a few years now, I've happily used my WM Sycamore, which is rated to 25*. I've always been quite comfortable in temps right down to it's limit, and have brought that down to the high teens with just a little bit more wool & fleece. Never been a problem, and I have always looked forward to snuggling up at night in these temps. But this time I just felt chilly all night.

The bag is clean and dry, and was well lofted each night. I was wearing my usual night clothes -- Icebreaker 200wt woolies, fluffy wool socks, a wool buff around my neck, and a fleece beanie. I had a couple of cups of hot tea before bed...and still felt chilled.

So this is all rather disconcerting. I'm hoping it's because I've been homebound since the end of October and haven't been able to "acclimate" myself like I otherwise would, but I have to wonder if this is some other, new, not-wonderful aspect of becoming an old lady...when I'm only 55.

Any wise words? Do I just need to get over myself and get out more? Or learn how to stay warmer?

[Feral Bill]

Insulation underneath? Breeze? Overhead cover?

[TheMidlifeHiker]

Were you tired or hungry? That’ll keep you from warming up.


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[TwoSpirits]

Insulation underneath? Breeze? Overhead cover?

Ahh yes -- sleeping pad is a Thermarest Neoair Trekker. Inside my beloved Big Sky International Revolution 2p. Weather crystal clear and quiet.

[TwoSpirits]

Were you tired or hungry? That’ll keep you from warming up.


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Tired, yes. Horribly out of shape and recovering from a long recovery from the flu. Well fed with a nice hot meal, and a couple of cups of green tea. (See? It really was a perfect trip...except for the chilly part!)

[Venchka]

Internal thermostat lag. It takes a few days to make the switch.
Humidity? The soggy east coast always feels yucky because of the humidity and dampness.
Go West!
Wayne

[TwoSpirits]

Internal thermostat lag. It takes a few days to make the switch.
Humidity? The soggy east coast always feels yucky because of the humidity and dampness.
Go West!
Wayne

Hehe, already "west"...at least in Indiana. I'm originally from Minnesota, and even this environment is hopelessly humid and yucky to me!

[Venchka]

Hehe, already "west"...at least in Indiana. I'm originally from Minnesota, and even this environment is hopelessly humid and yucky to me!

I was trapped in Indy one winter. I your pain.
Go farther West. 👍😄
Wayne

[TwoSpirits]

I was trapped in Indy one winter. I your pain.
Go farther West.
Wayne

As long as I don't end up in California....

[Venchka]

As long as I don't end up in California....

I agree.
Halfway West is best.
Wayne

[bonsaihiker]

recovering from a long recovery from the flu.

Bet that's it.

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[daddytwosticks]

Age. The older I get, the more I seem to sleep colder. Even indoors.

[TwoSpirits]

Ugh. I suppose I do have to accept some of that. But I do believe that the "internal thermostat" and the whole recovering from the flu thing probably had more to do with it than I thought.

Thanks guys.

[sketcher709]

I'll be 52 in June, body temp regulation is definitely not the same, I am constantly chasing overheated to freezing. Up until 2 years ago I was impervious to the cold but no more. Now my nights are a series of naps punctuated by flinging the covers off then grabbing them again. Sometimes in my car, the comfort zone is the heated seat on my back and the AC on in front. I just can't wait to see how ut goes starting Monday. I'm prepared for everything but my 70 pack is full because I want to make sure I can stay warm and dry. A few years ago, I would not have been nearly so concerned.

[blw2]

yep, similar trend for me too. I've always been 'cold natured', but more so these last couple years.
lots of variables I can attach to it..... loss of weight a couple years ago, living in FL and not acclimating as much, being less active overall, but I can't deny the age thing....

[greensleep]

I'll be 52 in June, body temp regulation is definitely not the same, I am constantly chasing overheated to freezing. Up until 2 years ago I was impervious to the cold but no more. Now my nights are a series of naps punctuated by flinging the covers off then grabbing them again. Sometimes in my car, the comfort zone is the heated seat on my back and the AC on in front. I just can't wait to see how ut goes starting Monday. I'm prepared for everything but my 70 pack is full because I want to make sure I can stay warm and dry. A few years ago, I would not have been nearly so concerned.

as the saying goes "gittin old aint fer wimps"

[TwoSpirits]

I must admit, despite my whining about feeling chilly all night, it is far better than a few years ago when I was in the midst of menopause. Trying to manage for the inevitable mid-night soaking sweats was always a pain. I guess I would much rather struggle with the chills.

(But I do hope this passes. I am distressed at the thought of adding anything heavier to my 3-season load. THAT is where I am feeling my age factor in!)

[HootG]

I'm starting my thru hike from Amicalola next week and the night time forecasts look low (23 Hawk Mtn, 22 Woods, 32 Low Gap). I don't think my 32* bag and liner will cut it so I'm hauling my 10* bag and hoping to swap for the lighter bag after GSMNP.

[4eyedbuzzard]

We elderly get chilled more easily. Kind of joking, but not. As we age we are not able to tolerate both cold or heat as well. It's mostly due to changes (more bluntly, deterioration) in our circulatory system (arteries, veins, heart) and skin, and can also be impacted by meds we take. We are more susceptible to hypothermia and hyperthermia as a result as well.

[Deacon]

Age. The older I get, the more I seem to sleep colder. Even indoors.

When I get old I will certainly take that into consideration.


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