Science Has Some Surprising News About People Who Wear Socks To Bed

Sep 10, 2018 by apost team

In the quest for a good night’s sleep, you’ve likely heard a lot of do and don’t do things like adhering to a strict bedtime schedule, turning electronics off an hour before bed, getting enough exercise during the day, and endless relaxation strategies to try before bedtime. All of these have been proven to help you fall asleep faster and rest more soundly, and most everyone agrees on the merit of them. However, to or not to wear socks to bed for a better night’s sleep is a debatable issue... or is it?

A look at Twitter will show a plethora of opinions on wearing socks to bed. Some curse the idea as a fate akin to death. Meanwhile, others can’t fathom naked toes as they doze.

Over at Buzzfeed, they did a poll asking people about their normal bedtime rituals. One question was whether or not you sleep with socks on or off.

The results were 68% for no because their feet felt trapped, 21% started with socks and kicked them off sometime during the night, and 11% for yes because they loved warm toes.

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It’s a question that’s been debated for centuries based on personal preferences, but what does science say about sleeping with socks? Odette Annabel has said, “I’m obsessed with socks. I even wear them to bed.” Science seems to agree.

According to a study published by the International Weekly Journal of Science , you can fall asleep at least 15 minutes faster if you wear socks. How? Why? The study found that people who wore socks to bed had warmer, cozier feet that allowed the blood vessels in their feet to dilate. This vasodilation redistributed heat throughout the body and sent signals to their brain that they were tired and ready for sleep.

Circadian rhythm changes your core body temperature in preparation for sleep, such as experienced when our bodies normally start to cool around 2 pm in preparation for sleep hours. Study participants wearing socks to bed also reported less hot flashes and dry feet.

The study supports cultural beliefs about socks and better sleep. In Reader’s Digest, Dr. Elizebeth Trattner spoke on the studies findings supporting Chinese and Integrative medicine beliefs. She said qi and nutrition need to circulate to keep the energy flowing and painful obstructions away from the body.

Cold feet obstructs the flow of vital energy (qi) and blood (nutrition) and causes painful stagnation, such as in Reynaud’s syndrome.

On the other hand, warm feet encourages this flow. She compares it to the difference in a cold and hot bath. You feel relaxed in a warm bath, but you tense up in cold water.

Do you wear socks to bed? Do you fall asleep faster and easier with your socks on at bedtime? Have you always slept sock-less and are considering joining the other team? Tell us your thoughts and questions in the comment section.