Wearing compression socks brings you many benefits. From better blood flow in legs to relief for vein problems, these seemingly ordinary socks have become a holy grail for many people, including travelers and sportsmen. However, with all the benefits in place, the query of “Can You Sleep in Compression Socks?” remains unanswered. If you have heard about wearing compression socks while sleeping and want to know if that works, this blog post is for you.
Why Do Podiatrists Recommend Compression Socks?
According to top podiatrists around the globe, compression socks prove to be the best socks that a person, regardless of health problems and profession, should wear. As per them, compression socks, especially knee-high ones, are efficient in easing discomfort and improving the blood flow in the legs. Some of the main reasons why podiatrists recommend compression socks include:
Better Blood Circulation
The snuggle fit of compression socks is designed to improve blood flow. This helps prevent blood clots from developing and eases the condition of varicose veins.
Relief Pain
Compression socks work great when it comes to relieving pain in the legs. The compression effect helps in reducing pain that occurs due to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and shin splints.
Reduce Swelling
Swelling that is caused by fluid pooling in the feet and ankles can be reduced by wearing compression socks. These socks are especially beneficial for people who either sit or stand for longer periods of time.
Elevated Performance
Athletes or sportsmen bear a lot of pressure on their feet, and compression socks can certainly be an effective cure for them. They compress the muscles in the leg and help in pumping blood back to the heart.
Fewer Health Complications
Compression socks are proven effective for reducing discomfort in the legs and reducing risk for people with health issues related to their legs. They are also best to help people recover from leg surgeries.
Can You Sleep in Compression Socks for Restless Legs?
Before we quickly jump to whether or not wearing compression socks is a good idea, let’s shed some light on how exactly compression socks work. Compression socks are like a gentle hug to your legs, they squeeze the legs with optimal pressure to help in improving the blood flow in the legs. However, the real benefit of wearing compression socks is when you are standing or walking and you have a gravitational effect on your veins. With that said, wearing compression socks while sleeping can be your personal choice, but it does not help the restless legs since they are away from gravity.
Does Sleeping With Compression Socks Reduce Swelling?
Yes, compression socks are recommended by podiatrists around the world as they have proven to be effective in reducing the swelling in the legs. Compression stockings or socks work by applying a necessary amount of pressure on your legs and reducing fluid buildup in your legs, which results in lowering the swelling and putting your legs at ease.
What Happens When You Leave Compression Socks On All Night?
While there is no official statement from podiatrists stating whether or not wearing compression socks can be harmful at night, there are some possible conditions that might occur when you leave compression socks on all night. These conditions are as follows.
Reduced Blood Flow
Compression socks are designed to improve the blood flow in the legs. However, when you wear them at night and lie down, the absence of pressure might disrupt the blood flow in your legs.
Irritation Effect on Skin
Wearing compression socks for long hours is safe. However, if you are someone with sensitive skin, wearing them for the whole night can cause skin irritation.
Increased Discomfort
If you are not used to wearing compression socks, wearing them while sleeping can make you feel uncomfortable. This happens especially when you are living in a place where the weather is usually warm.
Blood Circulation
Wearing extremely fitted compression socks while going to bed can restrict the blood circulation that is necessary to keep your legs functional.
Elevated Dependency
If you wear compression socks every night for the cozy feel, you might end up being dependent on them. Also, if compression socks reduce pain in your legs, you can also neglect the underlying health concerns.
Tips for Comfortable Sleep with Compression Socks
With all the discussion you read earlier in the blog post, if you still want to wear compression socks because they make you feel comfy, here are some tips to prevent the potential risks that might occur:
Choose the Right Socks
Compression socks are particularly made to benefit athletes, people with vein issues in their legs, and those who stand or walk for long hours. Wearing them at night can be a personal choice; however, choosing the right compression socks is necessary. At Hywell, we have a collection of premium-quality compression socks that offer ultimate benefits. Choosing a good pair makes you feel comfortable and reduces risks like restricted blood flow, skin irritation, and more.
Consult with a Podiatrist
Before adding compression socks to your nighttime routine, it is beneficial to consult with your podiatrist. A professional can guide you better on whether or not there are any risks involved in the idea or if there are any actual benefits of wearing compression socks at night.
Pay Attention to Material
Buying compression socks is not difficult. A simple search query can take you to hundreds of companies claiming to sell the best compression socks. However, it is important to see the material of these socks before you make the purchase. Try choosing a breathable material like cotton or microfibre.
