Health - Wellness
The Real Reason You Should Wear Socks To Bed
By VALERIE KALFRIN
Having cold feet isn't just a metaphor for lacking nerve; having cold feet at night can actually prevent you from falling asleep. One simple solution is to pull on a soft pair of socks since heating cold feet causes a dilation of the blood vessels, called vasodilation, that may signal the brain that it's time to sleep.
Additional benefits of wearing socks at night include cooling women’s body temperature, preventing hot flashes, and preventing flare-ups for people with Raynaud’s disease. Wearing socks after moisturizing the feet can soften dry or cracked heels, and lastly, wearing socks might improve sex life.
Wearing socks to bed is also safer than bedtime practices like placing a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed or using a heating blanket. Opt for natural soft fibers such as merino wool or cashmere, and avoid tight-fitting or compression socks. If socks are uncomfortable, tuck your feet beneath an extra blanket, or wear cozy slippers before bedtime to warm your feet for sleep.