Should you sleep with socks on? Doctors weigh in

You know those people who are always cold? That’s me. So it should come as no surprise that I wear socks (and Crocs!) around the house every day of the week. (Yes, even in the summer.) I hate cold feet and can’t function if my tootsies aren’t warm and toasty. But here’s the kicker: I absolutely, positively, cannot sleep with socks on. Even if I’m freshly showered and wearing a totally clean pair, I just can’t doze off if my feet aren’t free.

Quick Overview

As it turns out, I’m not alone. I took an informal poll of my coworkers here at Yahoo, and the vast majority of us are team no-socks-while-sleeping. “I have always thought sleeping with socks on is patently strange,” one of my colleagues remarked. “I would never wear socks to sleep, even if it was absolutely freezing outside. They’re so uncomfortable and make my toes feel like they’re in jail!” another added.

We are a smart bunch, but most of us don’t have medical degrees, so I decided to ask a few doctors whether or not they recommend people sleep with socks on. I’m gonna be honest, their answers surprised me. Here’s what they had to say.

Should you sleep with socks on?

While none of the doctors I spoke to advised against going to bed barefoot, they all agreed that sleeping with socks on has its benefits. That said, there are important health considerations that could make it the wrong choice for people with specific conditions.

What are the benefits of sleeping with socks on?

I’ll be honest, I expected most of the doctors I interviewed to say sleeping barefoot was the way to go. Instead, they revealed a few surprising reasons wearing socks to bed could be the better choice.

Among the top reasons? Drifting off into dreamland quicker. “Socks can be worn to promote the natural cooling cycle, which occurs when an individual warms their feet,” says Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko, a Los Angeles-based, board-certified internal medicine physician who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. The Sleep Foundation explains that warming your feet widens blood vessels, which helps the body release heat and may help you fall asleep faster. And while the research is limited, one small 2018 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that young men who wore socks to sleep dozed off faster and slept longer than when they went sockless.

But that’s not all. Sleeping in socks can also help ward off rough, dry skin. “Keeping socks on our feet actually maintains moisture and minimizes dryness,” explains Dr. Nelya Lobkova, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York City.

Folks looking to seriously soften and smooth their cracked soles might consider going a step further. “Because socks help to trap moisture, a podiatrist may recommend applying a deep moisturizer before bed and then wearing socks to help further seal the moisture in,” says Dr. Albert Elhiani, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in Los Angeles.

When should you avoid sleeping with socks on?

As appealing as falling asleep faster and baby-smooth feet sound, wearing socks to bed isn’t recommended for everyone.

If athlete’s foot or toenail infections are a common occurrence for you, then sleeping barefoot may be a better option. “Individuals who are predisposed to fungal growth may be worse off wearing socks to bed,” Elhiani says. “Fungi require dark and moist environments to thrive; the warmth and moisture trapped by socks can make fungal conditions more likely.”

Additionally, if you have a history of poor blood circulation due to conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or diabetes, you may want to check with your doctor to see whether wearing socks is advisable. While the American Diabetes Association doesn’t specifically address sleeping in socks, it advises that socks should fit well, not be too tight, and ideally be seamless. Lobkova is more cautious, stating that “swelling can cause socks to become too tight, potentially impairing blood flow to the foot. Someone with a circulatory issue should not wear socks to bed.”

What kind of socks are best to sleep in?

If you do choose to sleep with socks on, not just any ol’ pair will do. Fedonenko notes that tight-fitting socks could contribute to impaired blood flow, ultimately leading to discomfort, irritation or, in some cases, swelling and decreased circulation. “Individuals wishing to wear socks during sleep should choose loose-fitting socks constructed from natural fibers to avoid potential fungal growth caused by sweating. Cotton and cashmere work well, as both allow for airflow to the skin while providing warmth,” she advises.

Lobkova also stresses that sleep socks should not have tight elastic bands at the top. “This could cause a tourniquet effect at night and stop blood flow to and from the feet. Socks for sleeping should be as loose-fitted at the toes as they are at the other end,” she explains.

Just be aware that there’s a difference between “tight-fitting” regular socks and compression socks, which are designed to fit snugly and encourage circulation. If your doctor has suggested you wear compression socks to help manage certain vein or circulation conditions, make sure you ask whether it’s appropriate to wear them to bed.

Choosing the right length is also key. “Socks that go up to the knee can press on an important nerve on the outside of the knee that could get compressed and cause numbness and pain down the leg and foot,” Lobkova warns. This is why it’s important to sleep in loose-fitting socks that hit no higher than a few inches above the ankle.

Ready to give sleeping in socks a shot? Here are a few good options that check all the boxes outlined above.

Amazon

Admittedly, these are not the sexiest socks one can buy, but what difference does it make when you’re wearing them to bed? More importantly, these beloved socks are made from thick, plush cotton terry that’s super stretchy and absorbs moisture. Reviewers rave about the seamless design and the comfy, loose fit.

One commenter shares that “these are great socks. I love the feel and fit of these socks. These socks are very comfortable on your feet, and they are not tight around your ankles.” Another gushes, “These are the best socks for people who don’t like tight-ankled socks or the marks they leave. … I wear them at night when I am sleeping because my feet get cold at night.”

Amazon; background generated/edited with ChatGPT

This pack of socks is made of 98% cotton, which aligns with Fedonenko’s advice to prioritize socks made from natural fibers. They come in a range of colors, but we particularly like the option for bright hues, rather than only understated neutrals.

They’re popular too, with almost 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. One happy customer particularly appreciates the construction: “The seamless design makes them super comfortable — no irritating stitches or rubbing, even after wearing them all day. They’re breathable yet cozy, ideal for fall and winter, and they stay up nicely without slipping down or feeling too tight.”

Amazon; background generated/edited with ChatGPT

Made from a bamboo-derived viscose blend, these socks check all the boxes. They’re non-binding at the top, breathable and reviewers appreciate their softness.

“The quality is wonderful. They are a nice, thick material that is incredibly soft. … They stay up well on the leg with no binding at all. If you have a large and or wide foot, you will have no problem with these socks. They are honestly what I would consider a perfect sock,” a fan declares. Another reviewer shares, “I’m in sock love! These socks are awesome. They are soft and comfy and they never bind or dig into my ankles even when I’m having edema.”

Walmart; background generated/edited with ChatGPT

At just $5 per pair, this three-pack of socks is an affordable, cozy option available in 30 colors and color combinations. Made from 80% cotton, they feature a seamless toe and non-binding top with a looser, stretchy fit. There’s also extra cushioning at the toe and heel to make padding around at night a little more comfortable (especially when your floors get cold!).

One pleased purchaser who bought them for her mother says, “I used them for my mother of 90 as well, and her ankles are really thick, and the toe area must be loose, great for wide feet, and these socks scored 100% across the board … I tried several different pairs from different brands and these socks rated 100% satisfied.”

Meet our experts

• Eleonora Fedonenko, MD, a Los Angeles-based internal medicine physician board-certified in internal medicine and the medical director of Your Laser Skin Care

• Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a New York City podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare

• Albert Elhiani, DPM, a Los Angeles podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, and founder of Eazy Foot & Ankle

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.