Should You Wear Socks to Bed?
It's a question filled with controversy. Is it sanitary? Will you overheat? Will you lose a sock? Let's take a look at the pros and cons to find out the truth. Find out if you should wear socks to bed or if you should not wear socks to bed.
The Pros
Science has shown many advantages to wearing socks to bed.
Warm Feet
It's obvious, but if your feet are cold, wearing socks is the best way to warm them up. But, there's more to it...
Falling Asleep Faster and Sleeping Better
Socks warm up your feet, which increases circulation. And, when your body has good circulation, it can better regulate its temperature. This is important for a good night's sleep because your body needs to lower its temperature at night. It's a little weird to think that warming up your feet helps your body cool down, but it does! When your temperature cycle is running correctly, you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Reducing Raynaud's Symptoms
Raynaud's disease is a condition when blood flow to the hands and feet is reduced, resulting in fingers and toes that feel cold and numb. Wearing socks to bed may reduce symptoms by keeping you warm.
Preventing Hot Flashes
Because wearing socks to bed helps lower your core body temperature, it can reduce symptoms of hot flashes in women going through menopause.
Healing Dry Feet
If you have dry, cracked feet, applying moisturizer and wearing socks to bed can keep your feet smooth.
The Cons
There are some disadvantages to wearing socks to bed. Or are there?
Overheating
Some people get too hot wearing socks to bed. This can cause restlessness and you may not get the quality sleep that you need. However, it's important to choose a pair of socks made from a breathable material. This will prevent overheating and sweaty feet. And, you can always put your feet outside of your blankets, or take your socks off when you start feeling warm.
Poor Hygiene
It can be unsanitary to wear socks to bed, but only if you wear dirty socks. Wearing clean socks is totally fine, and well... recommended! Just put on a clean pair of breathable socks before bed, and your feet will be safe from germs and bacteria.
Poor Circulation
This is also possible, but poor circulation can easily be remedied by not wearing socks that are too tight. Remember, breathability is important, and good circulation is key to a good night's sleep.
Losing Socks
Socks really don't just disappear. See our places to find a lost sock. If you wake up in the morning with only one sock on, look deep within the blankets. The missing sock is sure to show up. Although this can be super frustrating, it doesn't need to scare you away from wearing socks to bed. It probably just means your socks don't fit quite right. They may be too loose, or you ditched it because you were too warm. Try going to sleep with a different pair of socks on.
What Socks to Wear to Bed
The best socks to wear to bed are made from soft, breathable materials like cotton, wool, and cashmere. Make sure they're comfortable and don't fit too tight. Avoid wearing compression socks to bed, unless suggested by a doctor. Compression socks, like socks that are too tight, can limit blood flow to your feet.
Alternatives to Wearing Socks to Bed
Although wearing socks to bed can be beneficial to your quality of sleep, it just might not be your thing. But, there are other things you can do. The important thing is to warm up your feet before it's time for bed. Before calling it a night, you can take a warm bath or wear some cozy slippers. You can also sleep with a blanket at the foot of the bed. A heating pad can also help, but be sure to use it before going to bed to avoid getting burned. Rice socks, a hot water bottle at your feet, and heating blankets are also good for warming up your feet. But again, these should be used before going to bed so you don't overheat or get burned. Check out these other ways to keep your feet warm at night and during the day.
The Conclusion — Sleeping with Socks On is Good for You!
It's not only relaxing and warm, but wearing socks to bed helps with circulation and the regulation of your sleep cycle. You fall asleep faster because it speeds up your body's awareness that it's time to sleep. Then, you sleep better because proper circulation helps your body control its temperature. So, give it a shot. You just might have the best night's sleep you've ever had!