The surprising reasons you should sleep in socks but not underwear
Sleeping in socks might sound wrong, but it could be so wrong, that it's right...
With British summer picking up late in the year, many of us are now struggling to get a good night's sleep on those warmer nights. In fact, Brits lose an average of 17 hours of shut-eye each month during the hotter season, according to Simba's recent research.
So, to help you beat the heat and reclaim your rest, the sleep-tech firm has suggested you rethink your nightwear. Yes, apparently wearing socks to bed could be the secret to drifting off easily, because it promotes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) in your feet.
In a nutshell, this helps to lower your blood pressure, cool your body down, and send a clear signal to your brain that it's time to drift off.
"Regulating body temperature is crucial for achieving restful sleep, and unusually, wearing socks to bed can be a brilliant way of doing this," says Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba Sleep’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity.
Some 23% of Brits already wear socks to bed during the summer, while Gen Z and millennials (18-34) are leading the way, with 35% of them embracing the cooling method. Do you?
As well as helping to keep you cool (despite what you might think with the added layer), they can also provide relief for those with Raynaud's syndrome, a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes.
And, as a side note, one study from the University of Groningen even found couples who wear socks to bed are more likely to reach orgasm, with a success rate of 80% compared to 50% of those who go sockless. So while you might think it's strange to keep them on, it could be the key to both better sleep and intimacy...
However, as with all tips and tricks, Artis cautions socks might not be the best option for everyone. "Individuals with certain circulatory issues or excessive sweating may find socks uncomfortable. It’s essential to listen to your body and choose what works best for you."
When it comes to what not to wear when you're in pursuit of a good night's sleep (and good general health), if you don't already, you might want to consider ditching your underwear. While sometimes it may be more practical for reasons like menstruation, avoiding wearing pants can help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
"Opting not to wear underwear allows for better airflow, promoting the skin’s natural ability to breathe and reducing the likelihood of sweat buildup," explains Artis.
"When it’s too warm our bodies struggle to cool down naturally, disrupting our sleep cycle. 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."
It could well be time to swap your underwear for that pair of socks. In the meantime, here are some other hacks from Artis to sleep better during summer heat...
Get the room temperature right: Aim for around 16-17°C for the best sleep quality. Close curtains or blinds during the day to block sunlight and open windows at night to let in cool air. Window screens are useful here, to keep insects out. Furthermore, it's a good idea to turn off all electronics in your room before bedtime to avoid unnecessary heat buildup.
Sleep positions: starfish or sleep on your side: Starfishing can help to circulate air around your body and encourage heat to escape, while sleeping on your side also allows more heat to dispense
Have a warm shower: The warm water makes our body heat up, and then, when we get out of the shower, a rapid drop in temperature cools our body down.
You might also want to opt for a lightweight duvet, refresh with a cooling mist, restrict food intake to close to bed and limit alcohol intake, consider chilling your pair of socks in the fridge first, drape a damp cloth on your forehead or neck, and try to minimise movement in the night.
Read more: How to get a good night's sleep with hay fever (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Read more: How binge-watching and cliffhangers affect your mind and sleep (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Read more: Experts warn couples who sleep separately to consider these things (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
