Some see it as an absolute “no-go”, for others it has long been part of their sleep rituals: The topic of “sleeping with socks” is always controversial. For scientists, socks in bed have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the right socks on your feet can do thatPromote sleep, relieve menopausal women from hot flashes and relieve symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome. On the other hand, there are health risks such as infections or overheating. People who sleep with their socks on are more likely to suffer from foot odor. This makes it all the more important that you sleep with the right socks. They should be made of breathable wool and have an optimal fit.
Sleeping with socks: The advantages at a glance
If you’re wondering “Is it unhealthy to sleep with socks on?” then the answer is “no” as long as the socks fit. Even vice versa, if you sleep with socks, you can benefit from some advantages.
First and foremost, the socks can stimulate blood circulation in the feet. This causes the body temperature to drop. The lower body temperature gives the brain a signal that it is already time to fall asleep. Better blood circulation in the feet also ensures that the muscles, lungs and heart are supplied with oxygen.
Socks also support the body's thermoregulation process, which enables heat exchange between the body and the environment. In this way, we can adapt better to the climate conditions, for example when we go to sleep in a warm bedroom on cold days.
People who sleep with socks are less at risk of Raynaud's syndrome. This is a particularly intense reaction of the blood vessels in the toes and fingers to cold. People who suffer from the syndrome often experience narrowing of the arteries, especially in the winter months, which can cause pain. The affected parts of the body feel numb and are very pale. As a preventative measure, patients are usually advised to always keep their hands and feet warm. That's why those affected often wear socks to bed.
Menopausal women shouldn't be asking themselves whether they should sleep with socks on or not. It is recommended for them to wear socks to bed. They often suffer from hot flashes that prevent them from falling asleep. The reason for the stressful side effects of menopause are changes in hormone levels. They prevent the body from regulating its heat. The complaint occurs very suddenly and can lead to problems concentrating during the day and problems sleeping in the evening. However, since the socks on the feet lower the body temperature, they encourage you to fall asleep quickly and can therefore prove to be particularly helpful during menopause.
Why you shouldn't sleep with socks: The disadvantages at a glance
But can sleeping with socks be unhealthy? The answer is yes, if you don't follow some basic rules. Although socks canblood circulation in the feetpromote it, but they can also worsen it. This is especially true if the socks are too tight and not breathable. In this case, sleeping with socks is bad. Scientists recommend wearing socks one size larger than usual to bed.
There's also a lot to be said against sleeping with the socks you've had on all day. Because then there is a risk that the dirty and tight socks will irritate or even inflame the sensitive skin on the feet. Change your socks and wear a freshly washed pair to bed.
It's true that the right socks can helpregulate body temperature. In some cases, however, overheating occurs. For example, if the socks are not made of a breathable material. Especially for small children and babies, it is recommended to buy models without elastics and seams.
With socks in bed: Which materials are suitable?
If you want to sleep with socks, you should pay attention to the material and the quality of the production. Depending on the season, cashmere, merino or cotton are available.
1. Kashmir feels very soft. This is because cashmere yarn is significantly thinner than merino and cotton. The high-quality Kashmir socks are woven with a high number of threads. The dense fabric is guaranteed to lastFeet warm on cold winter evenings. At the same time it is breathable.
2. Merino wool also protects the feet very effectively from the cold. It can absorb moisture and then release it into the air. This allows the skin to breathe and even when your feet sweat, there are no unpleasant odors. The socks made of merino wool fit your feet perfectly and ensure a healthy and pleasant foot climate on cold autumn and spring days.
3. Cotton socks are perfect for those cool summer evenings. They are also an alternative for all vegans because, unlike cashmere and merino wool, they are made from plants. At the same time, they are in no way inferior to cashmere and merino wool when it comes to comfort.
4. If you are going to sleep with socks, then bed socks are ideal. They are specially made for sleeping and are particularly comfortable to wear in bed. As a rule, most models are thicker than normal socks and are made from a mix of merino cashmere and cotton. It is very important to change your bed socks every day and put on clean ones every day.
