Insomnia | A method for aiding sleep with cooling patches has recently gone viral online. All you need to do is place a small cooling patch on your little finger, and you'll be able to sleep soundly through the night. Although many netizens who have tried it have praised its effectiveness, paediatric specialist Dr. Chan Yan-wing points out that from a Western medicine perspective, there is no actual medical theory behind this practice, and therefore its effectiveness varies from person to person. He also proposes three factors that can affect sleep, so that everyone can enjoy a good night's sleep without using cooling patches!
Recently, a sleep-aid method using cooling patches has been circulating online. A Japanese netizen shared that by simply applying a small cooling patch to their little finger before sleeping, they not only achieved a full night's sleep but also felt more refreshed and less fatigued upon waking. Due to numerous netizens praising the method as effective after trying it, this technique has gone viral online in a short period!
There is no substantive medical theory to support sleep-aid methods. Results may vary from person to person.
Regarding the effectiveness of using cooling patches to aid sleep, Dr. Chan Yan Wing, a paediatrician, believes that from a Western medicine perspective, this practice cannot completely guarantee sleep. As there is no substantial medical theory to support it, the effectiveness varies from person to person.
Dr. Chan also reminded the public that if they wish to follow this practice, they need to pay special attention to whether the local skin develops an allergic reaction after applying the cooling patch. He also urged not to wrap the cooling patch too tightly to avoid affecting blood circulation in the fingers, which could lead to bruising. He emphasised that as the body's pain perception and sensitivity significantly decrease during deep sleep, special attention must be paid to any abnormal conditions before sleeping.
Some cooling patches contain high concentrations of menthol for a cooling effect, which should be avoided by infants to prevent stimulating their underdeveloped nervous system, and in severe cases, it could lead to epilepsy or convulsions. Patients with "favism" also need to be careful, as cooling patches contain menthol. Once G6PD deficient individuals come into contact with it, it may trigger an acute haemolytic reaction, which can be life-threatening.
Three main factors affecting sleep Too much clutter will have an impact!
To get a good night's sleep, sleep habits are equally important. Dr. Chan suggests three key factors that significantly improve sleep quality!
- Temperature
The room temperature should not be too hot, but should keep the human body at a cool, refreshing temperature, which can effectively help with sleep. - Ray of light
You need to pay attention to the brightness of the light, as environments that are too bright will affect the secretion of melanin during sleep, thereby affecting sleep quality. Therefore, the room should be kept dark. - Environment
The comfort of your bedding, clutter, and noise can all be culprits that prevent you from falling asleep. Therefore, your sleeping area shouldn't be cluttered and the environment should be kept as quiet as possible.
To cool down, it's essential to keep your clothes ventilated.
Dr Chan also pointed out that cooling patches mainly help the body to cool down physically. The hydrogel polymers within them can concentrate heat and rapidly evaporate moisture, thereby removing heat from the body to achieve a localised physical cooling effect. He suggested that if children often tear cooling patches off their foreheads when they have a fever, parents can choose to place them on the nape of their child's neck, which can also achieve a cooling effect. He further reminded that to lower a fever, clothing should be kept ventilated, and indoor temperatures should be monitored. If necessary, children can be given a bath with warm water, allowing the water on the skin's surface to take away heat from the body, which also achieves a physical cooling effect.
Paediatric specialist Dr Chan Yan Wing. (Photo: Lo Kwok Fai)
Source: Hong Kong 01 (15 October 2025)
https://www.hk01.com/article/60285138
