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Tuesday 22 October 2024

Is It Time To Consider Bed Socks To Aid Your Sleep ?


How to sleep: Doctors shares simple sock hack that can help you sleep better and longer

A doctor has revealed how sleeping with socks on can improve your sleep.

This follows a number of studies pointing to the sleep-inducing benefits of wearing socks in bed.

For example, research has suggested that the simple hack improves your ability to get to sleep and the quality of your slumber.

But what's behind this effect? The working theory seems somewhat counterintuitive at first glance.

According to biomedical scientist Dr Biquan Luo, the key lies in warming up your feet to lower your core temperature.

"Warming the feet can have a positive impact on sleep for many people, primarily because of its effect in promoting lower core body temperature and relaxation," she told Fox News Digital.

As the doc explains, core body temperature is instrumental in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. "As we sleep, our core temperature naturally drops as part of our circadian rhythm," she said.

"This decline starts at the beginning of sleep and reaches its lowest point during the early morning hours. Decreasing the core body temperature helps the body fall and stay asleep."

A couple of studies support Dr Luo's claim. In one study, published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, six young males were randomised into groups: those wearing socks to sleep and those without.

Researchers recorded several metrics, such as sleep efficiency, total sleep time, number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset and average awakening length.

A questionnaire on sleep quality was obtained after awakening in the morning.

The results showed that in the group donning socks, the time it took to get to sleep was on average 7.5 minutes shorter, total sleep time was 32 minutes longer, the number of awakenings was 7.5 times smaller, and sleep efficiency was 7.6 percent higher.

"Feet warming using bed socks during sleep in a cool environment had positive effects on sleep quality by shortened sleep onset, lengthened sleep time, and lessened awakenings during sleep but had no significant influence on core body temperature," the researchers concluded.

Another research study demonstrated that warming feet for 20 minutes before bed reduces insomnia symptoms.

Above image and words, with more to read, from article here

xxx ooo xxx

Do you sometimes wear bed-socks? Will you consider wearing bed-socks?
I do find that if I'm cold they do help keep you warmer, and it's easier to sleep.
Please share your thoughts and comments about this article.

Related Post
Simple Steps To A Better Night's Sleeps, see here

All the best Jan

32 comments:

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Jan, I wish I could say this simple solution worked for me. I tried it a while ago after reading a similar study. Hopefully it will help others.
Have a nice day dear Jan.

peppylady (Dora) said...

When I was young I like to sleep in socks

Food Blogger said...

For some reason I can't wear socks or even cover my feet when I go to bed.

Christine said...

I always have socks handy for use at this time of year, bed socks sound a good idea

Rose said...

That is so interesting. I don't wear socks to bed because I just love my toes to be free. But I have footless socks that I sometimes wear. they have no heel either,,just fits around the instep and really helps keep feet warm

J.P. Alexander said...

Uy lo intente pero no puedo dormir con ellos. Te mando un beso.

Mari said...

Well, that is so interesting! I'm going to have to try that!

Linda said...

I wore socks for years. Now, I cannot find socks that do not bind my feet. Plus, they hang on flannel sheets. My feet get too cold to sleep or go back to sleep. But, extra blanket makes my feet sweat and then get cold again! I want to wear socks!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Regardless of the time of year, I wear socks to bed. Socks may or may not improve my sleep, but my bladder tells me when to wake!

Steve Parker, M.D. said...

It seems too good to be true. I'd have preferred a larger number of study subjects to increase reliability of results. Nevertheless, it's easy easy enough for anybody to give it a try.

Elephant's Child said...

Interesting. I like to be able to stick my feet out of bed in the night because they frequently get too hot. I am not sure I will try sleeping in socks...

Rustic Pumpkin said...

I only wear them on the coldest of winter nights otherwise my feet become miserably overheated and uncomfortable.
Personally, I think my sleep issues have been with me since birth as I've never had good sleep patterns and nothing works.
Envious of all who sleep well! Debbie

roentare said...

Wearing socks to sleep often made me feel too hot

Giorgio said...

Great post! I agree on this: socks provide needed warmth. In winter I sleep with socks on.

jabblog said...

We tried bed socks a couple of years ago, but my feet got too hot. Wearing bed socks is also supposed to improve sex, but I don't know how that would be verified.

DrumMajor said...

Even better is a heated electric mattress pad. About $80 at WalMart website. Warms up the linens, and keeps free toes warm even as they get colder when we get older. Linda in Kansas

Margaret D said...

Good read, and having warm feet does help one sleep better.

Jules said...

I've always favoured bed socks on chilly nights.
Hurray! Your posts are showing up in my feed again!

baili said...

what a reminder dear Jan .i used to wear double socks when winters were really cold some years back and i had issue of getting cold feet toes specially .double socks would help after entering into blanket
such winters haven't returned since some years

Tom said...

...I've never slept with socks.

Creations By Cindy said...

I have tried to sleep with socks on only to kick them off during the night. Interesting piece Jan. I hope your week goes wonderful. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Lisabella Russo said...

I like to wear socks to bed, I find it helps in general. Thanks for the interesting info.

Caroline said...

Good idea, bed socks. Greets Caroline

Anne (cornucopia) said...

I like the benefit that sleeping with socks on keeps my feet warm. :-) And I'll take those additional benefits, too. :-)

R's Rue said...

May try this. Thank you.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

HappyK said...

I've never worn socks to bed but I'm going to give it a try!!

Kim said...

Hey Jan! ❤️ I have found this to be true for me. I now wear socks at bedtime every night unless I'm too hot and I sleep well. My husband doesn't wear socks to bed, and his sleep is not great. I sent him your post to read and he said he's going to try it. Who knows how many people will sleep better tonight because you posted this? Thanks, my friend! 🌞

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Alguna vez me he puesto unos para dormir. Erán de esos cortos de verano y durmiendo se me salieron de los pies.
Ya probaré de nuevo, con otros más largos.

linda said...

Yes I often wear bed socks, they help stop foot cramps too.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Very. interesting information. Not sure if I would like having my feet covered with socks while I sleep. My husband is always cold and has difficulty sleeping. I'll be passing this on to him. Makes sense.

Lowcarb team member said...

GOOGLE TRANSLATE

J.P. Alexander said ...
Uy lo intente pero no puedo dormir con ellos. Te mando un beso

Oh, I tried but I can't sleep with them. I send you a kiss

VENTANA DE FOTO said ...
Alguna vez me he puesto unos para dormir. Erán de esos cortos de verano y durmiendo se me salieron de los pies.
Ya probaré de nuevo, con otros más largos

I've sometimes put some on to sleep. They were one of those summer shorts and sleeping they came off my feet.
I'll try again, with longer ones

Dianna said...

Jan, I truly believe in this principle. I always sleep much better when I wear socks to bed. Now I understand the reason why. Thank you for the reminder!