How Wearing Socks to Bed Can Help Improve Your Sleep
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Time to read 3 min
By the time winter rolls around and the temperature continues to plummet, many of us reach for the socks when getting into bed. Our feet are quick to become uncomfortably cold, and some fluffy winter socks will help us feel comfy when settling in to sleep.
According to new research, however, socks don't just help us warm up and feel cozy - they can actually improve our sleep quality and energy levels. Who knew such little pieces of fabric could make such a big difference?
How our socks can help our sleep
According to sleep medicine physician Dr. Keisha Sullivan, socks can help us regulate our core body temperature - something that's often more difficult on freezing cold (or even hotter) nights in bed.
"When we warm our feet, or, really, warm our bodies in general, it causes our blood vessels to dilate or widen. And what that does is it releases heat, which ultimately decreases our core body temperature," Sullivan told NBC.
"And it's that decrease in core body temperature that helps promote falling asleep."
Sullivan also recommended a bedroom temperature of 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit/15 to 19 degrees Celsius for optimal sleeping conditions. The physician also suggested wearing socks with a tighter compression to harness the benefits.
Benefits of wearing socks to bed
There are numerous benefits to wearing socks to bed, as described by the expert research described above. These include (but are not limited to):
- Falling asleep faster - one small study estimated that young men fall asleep eight minutes earlier with socks on than they do without, as well as getting 32 minutes extra sleep per night.
- Uninterrupted sleep - fewer sleep disturbances from a more regulated temperature means more time asleep, getting a longer and better quality rest.
- Better circulation for those with health issues, as socks help open the blood vessels.
- More hygienic sleep, as your feet will be protected from dirt, bed bugs, or allergens - as well as helping wick away moisture, such as sweat.
Risks of wearing socks to bed
While socks can have some benefits, some minor risks can occur, such as:
- decreased blood flow from socks that are too compressed, particularly for those with circulation issues
- socks that are too warm or are made from oppressive, non-breathable fabric can disrupt sleep or cause excess sweating.
These issues can be remedied rather easily, however. When choosing socks to wear for bed, the ideal sock should be
- an ideal level of warmth or fleeciness that won't cause the person to overheat
- compressed enough to maintain temperature, but not uncomfortably tight for hours of wear
- are clean and fresh, with no sweat or dirt
Socks can help regulate your body temperature during sleep.
This can help create longer, better quality sleep with fewer disruptions
Choosing the right sock is important in harnessing this benefit for yourself.
FAQs
Can i wear fleecey socks to bed?
It's fine to wear thick, fleecey socks to bed - as long as they can be worn comfortably for hours without overheating or falling off.
Can I sleep with medical compression socks on?
Yes, this is considered safe, and is often worn while sleeping in places like hospital or airplanes. These can be especially helpful for those with circulation issues.
The Myza Editorial Team
The Myza Editorial Team works together to create and curate The Sleep Journal, a series of blog posts designed to help our customers with frequently asked questions and curiosities regarding everything in the world of sleep, from sleeping positions to skin and hair care. We also provide regular shopping guides, interviews, and reviews to provide insight into our hand-picked brand collaborations and the benefits they have to offer.
