Should you wear socks to bed? The question can be as polarizing as whether to use a topsheet. So we asked experts if there were any benefits to covering your feet. Turns out there are several good reasons why you might want to try it!
The benefits of wearing socks to bed
This simple practice can have a significant effect on the quality of your sleep. “While wearing socks to bed may seem like a small thing, it can actually help your body prepare for sleep,” says Craig Zebuda, MD, chief medical officer of Yunara Life. Here’s how it helps.
Bedtime Signals
It may seem counterintuitive, but warm feet help your body release heat more efficiently, says Zebuda. As a result, your body temperature drops, which signals your body that it’s time to go to bed. Putting on socks basically helps start this process.
Can help with insomnia
Since warm feet help signal sleep, some research indicates that wearing socks may help with insomnia, says Monika Mathur, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. “Some small studies have shown that warming the feet can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve some measures of sleep quality,” she says. “The caveat here is that these studies are small and it probably works best in people with really cold feet, so it’s more likely to be a low-risk trick rather than a proven cure,” Mathur says.
May relieve hot flashes
Socks can help relieve temperature-related perimenopausal symptoms. “During perimenopause, hormonal changes occur that reduce the body’s comfortable temperature zone, so even a slight increase in core temperature can trigger an exaggerated cooling response in the body, which can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, flushing, and flushing,” she says. Again, this may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your feet slightly warm can help heat escape more easily.
Keeps your feet soft and hydrated
Are you tired of having dry and cracked heels? Apply moisturizer before putting on socks to help lock in moisture, advises Mathur. “Socks can also help ensure lotion doesn’t rub off on the sheets! »
Are there any downsides to sleeping with socks on?
“For most healthy adults, wearing socks to bed is perfectly safe,” says Zebuda, although there are a few things to consider: Avoid tight socks, which can be uncomfortable and leave marks. If you have sweaty feet, socks can trap moisture, leading to skin irritation and even infections, he says. Additionally, people with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or circulation problems should be especially careful not to wear socks that are too tight or create friction.
If you wear socks, opt for loose, breathable materials made with moisture-wicking fibers, like bamboo, advises Mathur. “It’s best to keep them loose at the top, without tight elastic bands, so circulation isn’t cut off,” she says, recommending ankle-length or crew-neck pairs. And finally, opt for a clean pair every evening! “Most importantly, choose a clean, dry pair that’s comfortable enough that you barely notice you’re wearing it,” says Zebuda.
Gn Health
