The topic of whether we should sleep with socks on is very polarizing. There are people who are "for" it and defend their thesis every night. And there are those for whom going to bed with socks is a crime against humanity and they would never do it. There are also people in the middle who have no particular claims. As strange as it may be, science has something to say on the matter.
"We have gathered in one place the most interesting and useful reasons "for" and "against" sleeping with socks, and you take the decision that seems closest to you."
What happens when you go to bed with your shoes on?
Scientists discover that sleeping with socks improves blood circulation to the extremities. This, in turn, leads to a faster decrease in temperature in the torso, as the extremities are the areas that cool down the quickest. Thus, the faster blood flows to the legs and arms, the quicker the body cools down to a comfortable sleeping temperature.
Of course, the whole thing has its drawbacks. Read on to discover them.
Advantages:
- Improve circulation
"In addition to the above, we add that better circulation helps with a better supply of oxygen to the body, allowing for proper function of the muscles, lungs, and heart."
- Help with thermoregulation
"Our body naturally reacts to changes in the temperature of the environment and always draws blood (and accordingly – heat) from the limbs to the internal organs. However, when the limbs are warm (i.e., with socks), sudden temperature changes are not a problem and the body is calm."
- Prevent freezing or overheating
Various reasons – age-related changes, hormonal imbalance or sensitivity, can cause discomfort and restless sleep. Wearing socks in bed prevents cooling and numbness of the toes. Also, since the feet are warm, the peripheral blood vessels dilate and allow the rest of the body to cool down and maintain a constant temperature, preventing overheating and waking up during the night.
Disadvantages
- Reduced circulation
No, it's not a mistake. It's about the fact that if the socks are too tight or the elastic is too tight, they can restrict blood flow and your feet can get cold instead of warming up. It's best to choose special sleep socks or simply a larger size than your usual socks.
- "Suffocation" of the skin
If the socks are too tight or not made of natural material, they may retain moisture and not allow the skin to breathe freely. Opt for cotton or bamboo socks with good breathability.
- Overheating
If your body generally emits more heat at night, sleeping with socks may not be for you. Consider whether you might get too hot while you sleep and whether the socks might be a hindrance rather than a help.
The solution
"Unsurprisingly, the decision of whether to sleep with socks on or not will be dictated by your own feelings. Just as it is a matter of individual comfort what kind of mattress to sleep on. To understand what is most suitable for you – test it out. Try different materials – for example, cotton, bamboo, merino wool, or cashmere."
"We can't guide you accurately about the socks, but we have a mattress test, through which you will easily find the one suitable for you."
