Should you wear socks while sleeping?

But can making your feet nice and cosy help you to sleep better? We take a look at both sides of the argument…

No, don’t be ridiculous

The amazing human body self-regulates its heat, meaning our internal organs are always a steady temperature. In fact, the only major change in body temperature happens while we sleep, dropping by as much as two degrees.

For a good night’s sleep, it’s best not to let temperatures get too hot - which is why the best rooms for sleeping are heated to around 60-65 degrees – or too cold. In fact, avoiding any form of fluctuation is best for sleep.

To do this, we have to make sure our body remains at a steady temperature. This is done through both our core temperature and our outside, or shell, temperature.

The body takes control of our core, dropping the temperature just before we go to sleep. But we are responsible for our shell. Research shows keeping your shell at a comfortable level can improve your sleep.

Ever wondered why your feet and hands are hairless? It’s because they’re part of the body’s system to manage your temperature. They also have special vascular structures to help with heat loss. It’s why your fingers and toes feel cold in the winter. So, if you were to cover them up –say by wearing socks - you could halt your body’s natural ability to regulate your temperature.
   

Yes, of course you should

There’s an old wives' tale that says warming your feet up can help you sleep better. And like most myths, stories and tales, it has some scientific backing.

By warming up your feet before bed, you kick start a process called vasodilation. This opens up your blood vessels allowing blood to flow more freely and reducing your blood pressure. This also informs the brain that it’s time for bed.

As the blood vessels open in the hands and feet, the body’s heat is redistributed to help prepare for sleep. Research shows that the greater the vasodilation in the hands and feet, the less time it takes to fall asleep.

The verdict

It depends on the person. We say try it for a few nights and see if it helps you sleep.