Wearing Socks While Sleeping: Benefits & Drawbacks

Your icy cold feet need warmth, and you decide to wrap them up with your fluffy socks! The coziness provided by the hosiery is what matters to you the most. However, some people think wearing socks in bed is too weird and unhealthy. You are baffled by others’ opinions and start wondering whether wearing socks while sleeping is a good option. 

We have got you covered. Let’s understand why some people love wearing socks while sleeping while others don’t. Ayurveda believes in Aahar (Nutrition), Vihar (Balance Of Lifestyle), and Nidra (Sleep), the three main pillars of health, showing the importance of proper sleep. Every person’s body has Vata, Kapha, and Pitta doshas, which can affect your sleep when imbalanced. Vata dominant person may experience cold feet and sleep disturbance. Thus, the need to wear socks may vary with every person.

Firstly, it is vital to know whether socks genuinely help you sleep.

Do Socks Help You Sleep

The human body experiences heating and cooling rhythms as per each person’s circadian rhythm. The body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and varies up to a half degree during the day. Thus, the body temperature drops at night, and the person may feel cold. Hence, warming the feet lowers the core body temperature, and the brain gets the signal to prepare for sleep. 

Cold feet restrict the blood vessels leading to poor blood circulation. Therefore, wearing socks keeps the feet warm, aiding in better sleep. Blood circulation is improved as socks help to open up the blood vessels. A study shows that wearing socks shortened sleep onset, lengthened sleep time, and reduced frequent waking up at night. Hence, socks do help you sleep peacefully. 

Benefits Of Wearing Socks While Sleeping

Below are the benefits of wearing socks while sleeping that many are unaware of. Thus, if you suffer from any below-given problems, socks are beckoning you to try them for your lovely feet. 

Prevent Hot Flashes

Women suffering from menopause often experience hot flashes. It is the sudden onset of a warm sensation, especially on the chest, neck, and face. Women also tend to sweat after hot flashes, which is associated with anxiety, fatigue, headache, and sweat. The hormonal fluctuations in the body cannot control the body temperature in women resulting in a pre-menopause problem. The ideal way to mitigate the problem is by wearing socks to reduce the core body temperature. 

Improve Cracked Heels

As per Ayurveda, a Vata-dominant person’s characteristics are they are sensitive to cold and have blood circulation issues. Thus, the skin gets dry during winter, leading to cracked heels. To mitigate the problem, having a foot massage with sunflower or sesame oil before sleeping and wearing clean socks will warm up the body. 

The other way is to apply a lotion to your feet and wear socks for moisturisation. Using silicone socks also protects cracked heels. Below are the benefits of silicone socks.

Silicone socks benefits

• Moisturises and softens the heels
• Protects dry heels
• Reduction in heels pressure
• Reduction in heels friction
• Provides relief from ankle pain

Increase Potential Orgasms

Insufficient blood flow to the genital area may cause a lack of orgasm. Cold feet can also be a symptom of peripheral vascular disease. Wearing socks while sleeping will keep you warm as it opens up blood vessels by improving the blood flow. Thus, there is a substantial increase in orgasms by wearing socks. However, ensure to use loose-fitting socks, as tight socks may interrupt the blood flow.

Decrease the Chance Of Raynaud’s Attack

Raynaud’s attack is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. Skin discolouration is seen in the hands and toes. Due to the cold temperature, the legs feel numb as the small arteries supplying blood become narrow. The blood tightening process reduces blood circulation in the affected areas, causing vasospasm. Thus, wearing socks while sleeping will warm up the feet and improve blood circulation, thus decreasing the chance of Raynaud’s attack. 

Drawbacks Of Wearing Socks While Sleeping

Let’s now look at the disadvantages of wearing socks while sleeping, as knowing them beforehand may warn you against the inappropriate use of pantyhose.

Can Reduce Blood Circulation

Socks help increase blood circulation; however, using tight socks for a prolonged period will affect the blood flow in the legs. Using breathable bed socks of good quality will ensure proper blood circulation. 

Increases Your Risk Of Skin Infection

Prolonged use of stockings may cause infection between the toes. Fungus grows in dark places, and wearing socks helps the microorganisms to thrive and grow. Using dirty socks attracts more bacteria. Use skin-friendly socks such as cotton and keep regularly changing to reduce infection. 

It Can Raise Your Body Temperature

Wearing hosiery may cause overheating in the body. It will be helpful to know your body type as per Ayurveda. Avoid wearing socks if your feet sweat after using them, or try to use breathable socks so the skin doesn’t suffocate. 

It Won’t Let You Sleep Peacefully

Wearing tight socks may make your sleep uncomfortable. The blood circulation is interrupted, not allowing you to sleep steadily, and you keep changing your sleeping side due to uneasiness.

Poor Hygiene

Wearing dirty socks attracts bacteria and a foul smell that hinders your sleep. Using bamboo or cotton socks will be beneficial as they are skin friendly. Make sure you use a fresh pair of socks every time and change them often.

What Type Of Socks Are Best To Wear While Sleeping

The best socks to wear while sleeping should be natural and skin-friendly. Ensure the socks don’t have any moisture-retaining ability. Using a clean pair of socks and changing them will be helpful. Let’s have a look at the socks options for you to use. 

Merino Wool

Merino wool is the most popular as it provides much-needed comfort. It is breathable, anti-bacterial, odour-resistant, and absorbs moisture preventing bacteria formation. It dries quickly and also has insulating properties that keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer. Merino wool is finer and softer; hence you won’t feel itchy after wearing it. Though more expensive than cotton, it is worth an investment for your feet.

Cotton Socks

Most people also prefer cotton hosiery because it helps their feet sweat less and breathe easily. These socks absorb excess moisture, thus protecting your skin from infections. It is suitable for sensitive skin.

Bed Socks

Bed socks are made specifically for night use. Your feet will breathe easier. The thick fibre in bed socks helps to disappear heat, thus providing you with a comfortable sleep without sweaty feet. 

Is It Good To Use Socks While Sleeping

Blood needs more time for circulation in cold temperatures. Therefore, your body naturally tends to preserve heat if you have good blood circulation. Hence, you won’t need socks while sleeping. However, wearing socks will benefit your body if you have poor blood circulation, especially in the legs. 

Moreover, the climate effect on every person is different. Also, if you have insomnia, are old, or are a Vata-dominant person, it is good to use socks while sleeping. 

Conclusion

Thus, wearing socks while sleeping is fine if your body needs warmth and cosiness. If you sleep better in socks, pamper your feet with skin-friendly socks and an aromatic foot massage. It is neither weird nor unhygienic to use socks in bed if they are clean and are changed frequently. 

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