Do you also sleep in bed with socks on? You’re not alone – millions do it every night, especially when it gets colder. But does this cozy habit actually help you fall asleep… or is it secretly harming your health? Science has something to say about it.

Surprising benefits of sleeping with socks:
Studies supported by the American Heart Association show that warm feet at night help regulate body temperature more quickly, thus making it easier to fall asleep. A study published in 2023 in the journal “Sleep Medicine” found that people who slept with socks on fell into deep sleep up to 20% faster than those who slept barefoot.

Warm feet dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and relieve nighttime leg cramps. For people with cold feet or Raynaud’s syndrome, warm socks can be a simple and drug-free way to sleep better.

The less obvious risks
: However, there are also downsides. Wearing tight or synthetic socks overnight can trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Dermatologists warn that insufficient air circulation can lead to skin irritation, dryness, or even bacterial growth.

Continued on the next page