Sleep is essential to human body, as during the time of sleeping, the body undergoes regenerative processes that are essential to health and restoration. Most people understand the importance of sleep and nothing on thedrained feeling when they haven't had enough sleep. However, the fact remains that many people struggle to obtain a good sleep at night without interrupting and awaking them from their slumber. Recently, some people find it easier to drift off when sleeping with socks on, but why is that so? Here the article will try to figure out the answer.
Is Sleeping with Socks on Good?
Yes, wearing socks during sleeping helps you to drift off easier than usual, this is because when you warm your feet, the blood vessels within the feet will dilate and then brain gets the signal that it's time to sleep. Some research has indicated a correlation between the dilation in extremities (vasodilation) and the speed of falling asleep, meaning that increased dilation of the blood vessels in the feet will lead to you falling asleep quicker. Also, when the body becomes hot, the system will try to cool the body to a comfortable temperature, which will in turn help you to get to sleep quicker.
Health Benefits of Sleeping With Socks On
1. Prevent Night Sweat and Hot Flash
Wearing socks to bed helps to regulate body temperature whilst you sleep due to cooling process conducted by the body itself. This type of temperature control can be beneficial in preventing instances of night sweats or hot flashes, both of which can lead to sleep disturbance.
2. Help With Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease is a rare condition that affects an individual's blood cells, and causes an overreaction to cold temperatures which, in severe cases, can lead to sores or necrosis (tissue death). Sleeping with socks on helps with body temperature regulation, which can help to prevent a Raynaud's attack from occurring.
3. Improve Dry Skin
People who experience bouts of dry skin may find that they wake with cracked, dry feet; especially in the winter months when temperatures drop. This may lead to aesthetic concerns as well as soreness. Applying a suitable and appropriate moisturizer to your feet before sleep, and wearing clean socks made from cotton will help to avoid you waking with sore and dry feet, meaning you will be more than comfortable putting the sandals back on when the summer months return.
What Socks to Wear for Sleeping
When going to sleep whilst wearing socks, there are a few things to consider in terms of hygiene, an important aspect of attaining the most benefits from wearing socks during sleep. You should always change your socks before you go to bed, ensuring that you do not leave on the same socks that you have been wearing throughout the day. Otherwise, bacteria can build up and lead to a fungal infectionor similar condition affecting your feet. Ensure to remove your socks from the day and wash your feet, and dry them properly, particularly between the toes.
When sleeping with socks on, choosing the right type is also important. Socks that are too thick, or made from unnatural materials that do not allow sufficient airflow around the feet can cause the feet to become too warm, leading to increased sweating. This can lead to an increased production of bacteria, causing complications. When choosing the socks to wear for sleeping, pick a pair that is made from natural fibres, and not too thick.
Other Remedies to Help With a Better Sleep
1. Set a Fan Beside the Bed
If an external distraction is keeping you awake at night, such as a party next door, then using an electronic fan may prove beneficial in helping you sleep. This is because the gentle sound of the breeze from the fan blowing upon your pillow will help to distract you from the intrusive external noise and soothe you into the land of dreams.
2. Limit Light Exposure
Limit the light exposure also help to get your into the status of sleeping. Recently, a research performed by neurological experts from George Washington University claims that exposure to harsh electrical lights, TV, PC or laptop screens can set blocks to your sleeping process.
Most adults assume that dark light may be the most suitable environment to sleep. Yet, spending a period of time under low-power lamp light after a TV time can help to relax your retinas and get you into the status of sleeping.
3. Take a Hot Bath
It has been suggested that taking a hot bath before you go to bed can help to improve your sleep. This is due to the fact that the body lowers its temperature naturally during the night, and taking a bath raises your body temperature. This raise in body temperature leads to a steeper decrease than what naturally occurs, which helps to sustain a deeper sleep. For best results, it is recommended that you lay in a bath for around 20 to 30 minutes, and 2 hours before you plan to go to bed.
4. Shun Stimulants
If you find yourself struggling to get to sleep, it may be wise to avoid stimulants throughout the day. This means skipping your daily cup of coffee and avoiding other high-caffeine products. Even those who drink decaffeinated coffee should note that some decaffeinated coffee sold in chain restaurants were found to contain caffeine by a consumer report conducted in 2007. Another stimulant to be aware of is nicotine, in the form of cigarette smoke. Some believe that a cigarette before bed is relaxing and helps to calm them before they sleep; in fact the opposite is most likely true, as it will often lead to an increased heart rate, having a detrimental effect on sleep.
5. Limit Evening Food and Drink
Disruption to your sleep can be caused by eating too much food before you go to bed, especially food that is hard to digest. This is because the digestive system has to work to digest the food that you consumed, making it harder to sleep. Drinking alcohol, although may help to make you feel drowsy or even lead you to pass out, will likely prevent you from obtaining a proper restorative deep sleep. That being said, consumption of any liquid before bed can cause sleep disruption, as you may wake up once or numerous times to empty your bladder.