Physiological Effects of Far-Infrared-Emitting Garments on Sleep, Thermoregulation, and Autonomic Function Assessed Using Wearable Sensors
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Far-infrared (FIR)-emitting textiles are increasingly used in sleepwear; however, their influence on sleep physiology has not been comprehensively evaluated with multi-modal wearable sensing. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study examined whether FIR-emitting garments modulate nocturnal thermoregulation, autonomic activity, and sleep architecture. Fifteen healthy young men completed two overnight laboratory sleep sessions wearing either FIR-emitting garments or visually matched polyester controls. Tympanic membrane temperature (TMT), sweating rate, skin temperature, and humidity were continuously monitored using wearable sensors, and sleep stages and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed using validated portable systems. Compared with control garments, FIR garments produced consistently lower TMT across the night (p = 0.004) and reduced mid-sleep sweating (condition × time interaction: p = 0.026). The proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was higher in the FIR condition (22.2% ± 6.5% vs. 18.6% ± 6.5%, p = 0.027), despite no changes in total sleep time or sleep efficiency. A transient increase in low-frequency power during early sleep (p = 0.027) suggested baroreflex-related thermal adjustments without sympathetic activation. These findings indicate that FIR-emitting garments facilitate mild nocturnal heat dissipation and support REM expression, demonstrating their potential as a passive intervention to improve sleep-related thermal environments.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s26020550
Institution: Waseda University
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7123822144