When the weather turns cold, many people sleep in socks to keep their feet warm. However, experts believe that the benefits of sleeping in socks extend beyond mere warmth. What are the advantages of wearing socks while sleeping? Check out the following review.
Benefits of wearing socks to sleep
Socks are typically worn with shoes or to keep the body warm. Beyond warmth and comfort, wearing socks while sleeping can improve your sleep quality and duration. Here are a few benefits to wearing socks while sleeping:
- It helps you fall asleep faster
The human body's temperature fluctuates throughout the day according to its circadian rhythm. During the day, body temperature rises and peaks, while at night, it drops, making you feel drowsy and aiding in sleep. This is why cooler room temperatures are generally more conducive to sleep.
If your feet are too cold, your body circulates more blood to warm them, raising your body temperature. Wearing socks can help relax the body and dilate blood vessels, improving blood circulation and allowing heat to be released through the skin. This cooling effect helps you fall asleep faster.
- Reduces insomnia
According to the Sleep Foundation, warming your feet 20 minutes before bedtime can help reduce insomnia symptoms, though it may not be effective for all sleep disorders. The study also found that wearing socks is less effective for treating sleeplessness in the elderly.
- Alleviates hot flashes
Women entering menopause often experience hot flashes, a condition marked by red, flushed skin due to fluctuating body temperature hormones. Symptoms include sweating and an elevated pulse rate. Wearing socks while sleeping helps stabilize body temperature, preventing hot flashes
- Lowers the risk of Raynaud's syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome is a condition when blood vessels in the skin constrict due to cold or stress, causing blue or white skin discoloration to the hands or feet. Wearing socks while sleeping can help alleviate Raynaud's syndrome by maintaining warmth and improving blood flow.
- Improves orgasm during intercourse
A study found that wearing socks during intercourse can help couples achieve orgasm. Experts believe that wearing socks increases blood flow and enhances intimacy, which eventually leads to orgasm. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sock wear and intercourse satisfaction.
Tips for wearing socks to sleep
If you want to try sleeping with socks, consider the following tips:
- Material: Choose socks made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, or cashmere. Ensure they are the right size—not too tight or too loose
- Maintain cleanliness: Change your socks regularly to avoid bacterial infections caused by sweat and debris
In addition to wearing socks, you can warm your feet before bed by soaking them in warm water or placing an extra blanket over your feet.
If wearing socks before bed makes you too hot or disrupts your blood circulation, try changing your socks or exploring other methods to keep your feet warm. If you have persistent sleep disorders, consult a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and health tricks, first aid, and home remedies? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Suni, E. (2023). Sleeping With Socks On. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/sleeping-with-socks-on
Breus, M. (2024). Should You Wear Socks to Bed?. Available from: https://sleepdoctor.com/sleep-hygiene/sleeping-with-socks-on/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Can Wearing Socks to Bed Help You Sleep Better?. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleeping-with-socks-on