Wearing socks to bed might be a mood killer – but it can help you cool down and sleep better, according to an expert.
During the summer months, people resort to buying fans and even sleeping on top of the covers in a bid to stay cool at night.
But a much simpler solution is putting on a pair – because keeping the feet covered regulates body temperature even better than opening a window.
Lisa Artis, of the British Sleep Society, said regulating body temperature is a crucial way for achieving restful sleep.
‘Unusually, wearing socks to bed can be a brilliant way of doing this,’ she explained.
‘Wearing socks to bed in summer can help regulate body temperature through a process known as thermoregulation.
Wearing socks to bed might be a mood killer – but it can help you cool down and sleep better, according to an expert
This is because keeping the feet covered regulates body temperature even better than opening a window
‘Thermoregulation is the body’s ability to maintain its core temperature within a narrow, optimal range despite external temperature changes.
‘The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a key role in this process by constantly monitoring body temperature and triggering physiological responses to either conserve or dissipate heat.
‘When you wear socks, they warm the feet and trigger vasodilation, where blood vessels in the skin widen, increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface.
‘This enhanced circulation facilitates the release of excess body heat. By dissipating this heat, the body’s core temperature is reduced, which is crucial for initiating and maintaining sleep.
‘In summer sleeping conditions, although it might seem illogical, this cooling effect can make sleep more comfortable by promoting the body’s natural thermoregulatory processes, helping you stay cool and sleep better.’
Her comments were made as recent research by sleep-tech firm Simba shows that Britons lose an average of 17 hours of sleep each month throughout summer.
Their poll revealed less than a quarter of Britons consistently wear socks to bed during the summer, and over a third of those who do are aged between 18-34.
It also found that half of Britons forgo pyjamas and just wear underwear to bed during the warmer months, while around one in five don’t wear anything at all.
Poll revealed less than a quarter of Britons consistently wear socks to bed during the summer, and over a third of those who do are aged between 18-34
Beyond staying cool, socks offer additional health benefits such as the alleviation of Raynaud’s syndrome symptoms – a condition that stems blood flow to the fingers and toes.
Wearing the right pair of socks is also important, Ms Artis said.
Natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo or wool are recommended for their breathability and ability to move moisture away from the skin.
If you’re really not keen to wear socks, simply stripping off to sleep can help cool you down, she added.
‘Opting not to wear underwear allows for better airflow, which promotes the skin’s natural ability to breathe and reduces the likelihood of sweat buildup,’ she said.
‘Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and making small adjustments to our bedtime rituals can have a significant impact on how well-rested and energised we feel each morning.’
