Does a high foot end and a stiff pillow under the knees reduce circulation?
2 weeks ago, I took a short backpacking trip where Temps overnight got down to 22F. I usually sleep warm, but I don’t have the best circulation and so wear synthetic booties to keep my feet warm. I’ve been in temps colder than this before and slept warm.
This time, I woke at 3am and my lower legs and feet were dry but numb and very cold to the touch. Cold enough that I got scared. Everything else was warm. I removed my socks and booties, and alternated warming my bare feet behind my knees.
I’m trying to figure out why my feet were so cold. There were 2 major differences with this hang:
1. My foot end of the hammock was higher than normal - I normally hang the foot end 12in higher than my head, but this time it was 18-24 in higher. It felt great when I lie down, but I wonder if my feet were too high and thus had reduced circulation.
2. I have started using a vacuum bag blown up as a pillow under my knees. This eliminates all calf ridge concerns and is very comfortable, but I wonder if it reduces the flow of blood as there are a major arteries under the knees. This kind makes sense, but it seems a bit far fetched that a pillow (even a fairly stiff one) would reduce blood flow much.
It may not be one or the other, but perhaps the combination of the knee pillow and a higher foot end contributed to less warm blood flowing to my feet.
Anyone have similar experiences or wisdom to offer?
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