Sleep with Socks On: 6 Top Benefits You Probably Didn't Know

Sleep with Socks On: 6 Top Benefits You Probably Didn't Know

November 11th, 2021 5 minute read

You have probably heard people express frustration over getting too hot at night and then being unable to sleep, and maybe you’ve actually experienced this problem yourself. Finding the ideal temperature for sleep can be difficult, but what you may not realize is that when you sleep with socks on, you may be more comfortable, and have an easier time sleeping at night. Learn the science behind sleeping with socks on here.

The Importance of Temperature

Before diving into the details of what happens to your body if you sleep with socks on, it’s beneficial to understand the importance of achieving the right temperature at night. Of course, it makes sense that if you’re too cold or dripping with sweat, you probably won’t be able to sleep at night. It’s perhaps more common to hear about people waking frequently because of being too hot throughout the night, and some people may even turn to sleeping naked in order to stay comfortable.

This is no surprise, given the negative effects that overheating can have on sleep. Studies have consistently shown that when the skin temperature is too high, or there is too much sweating throughout the night, sleep quality suffers. This can mean having a difficult time falling asleep, waking frequently throughout the night, or simply being able to get the deep, restorative sleep you need to feel and function your best.

So, is it good to sleep with socks on?

Given the fact that overheating leads to poor sleep, it may seem reasonable to conclude that sleeping with socks on isn’t the best choice, but the impact of sleeping in socks actually tends to be positive. You may think that having socks on your feet would make you too warm at night; however, this likely isn’t the case.

The science provides evidence of just how beneficial sleeping with socks on can be. A 2018 study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that when people slept in a cool environment of 23 degrees Celsius, equal to about 73 degrees Fahrenheit, they fell asleep faster, woke up fewer times in the middle of the night, and slept 32 minutes longer, on average, when wearing socks, compared to a group of people who did not wear socks. Study results also showed that while the foot temperature was higher among those wearing socks, the socks did not change core body temperature.

What can be concluded from these findings is that warming the feet does not cause the entire body to overheat at night, but instead results in better sleep. The authors of the study concluded that warming the feet may activate a part of the brain, called the hypothalamus, which plays a role in promoting sleep.

A cool bedroom environment may be helpful for falling asleep, but making the choice to sleep with socks can prevent you from losing too much heat in the cool sleeping environment.  The advantage of sleep socks is that they help the body to regulate its temperature without leading the core body temperature to rise too much.

What Happens to Your Body When You Sleep With Socks On: 6 Benefits

Even if you prefer a cool sleep environment, you may benefit from wearing a pair of socks to help regulate your body temperature throughout the night. Here is what you can expect to happen to your body when sleeping with socks on:

  • Maintenance of skin temperature
  • Activation of the hypothalamus, which helps to regulate sleep
  • Improved ability to fall asleep
  • More time spent in deep, restful sleep throughout the night
  • Increased heat in the feet and ankles
  • Better health and functioning

The physiological changes that occur when you wear socks to sleep result in a better night of sleep, and in return, improved health. As the National Institutes of Health explains, sleep plays a critical role in the functioning of the brain and affects our mood, reflexes, and ability to focus. Sleep is also important for hormone regulation, heart health, and the functioning of the immune system.

For those who choose to sleep with socks on, a cooling weighted blanket can provide an additional level of comfort to ensure the best night of sleep possible.

Sleep Better With an Aricove Weighted Blanket

If you’re looking for solutions for a better night of sleep, a pair of socks may be the answer. Another tool you can use to ensure the best night of sleep possible is a bamboo weighted blanket, which is naturally cooling and moisture wicking to further assist with temperature regulation throughout the night. Aricove offers a variety of premium bamboo weighted blankets in differing weights to meet a range of needs.

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