What if we told you that just a few changes to your bedtime attire could improve the way you sleep? To many who suffer from poor sleep, it may seem like an idea that is too good to be true. However, there has been some proof that wearing socks may be the new way to get those essential seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
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To ensure you know the research, we wanted to look a little deeper at this topic! Are socks at night just a personal preference, or are their health benefits?
If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or wake up often throughout the night, your problem may not be anything more complicated than having cold feet. Cold feet can restrict blood flow to your feet, causing them to constrict. According to the National Sleep Foundation, warming your feet before trying to sleep can encourage natural melatonin (the hormone for sleep), and help you sleep faster.
When blood flow isn't restricted, the blood dilates your veins and warms up your entire body. This will ensure you enjoy feeling warm and cozy when drifting off to sleep at night.
Most people don't think of their feet as being the key to good sleep. However, the feet and hands help to regulate our core body temperature. By wearing socks in the winter, you can encourage a natural process of distal vasodilation. This means you will get warmer and fall asleep faster.
In addition to wearing socks to improve your sleep quality, there are other benefits to wearing them while you catch some Z's. Some examples are:
All these things and more can be better with socks as a part of your nighttime wardrobe. However, what should you do during the summer, or when it is hot in your home already? Some studies say that the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 °F. Any cooler or warmer than that could cause sleep interruptions.
Since your body temperature may drop during sleep, your feet are the key to keeping your core temperature maintained. You won't lose out on your heat. During the summer, and if your home is warmer than 67, you should have fewer issues with losing heat. However, if you frequently sleep without a sheet or a blanket in the summer, covering at least your feet may still be helpful.
Not everyone can sleep with socks on their feet. Some people feel uncomfortable with them, and there is some truth to that as well. Socks that are too tight, can make you too warm during the night. If you crave a good night's rest but aren't willing to try socks on to achieve it, you can also consider upgrading to a new mattress! Just come to the Land of Sleep, and we will help you choose the right mattress to cure your nighttime woes.