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NHS Doctor Explains Why You Should Wear Socks When You Sleep

NHS Doctor Explains Why You Should Wear Socks When You Sleep

There's a scientific reason behind why you should do this.

Aneira Davies

Aneira Davies

An NHS doctor has explained why you should wear socks while you sleep - and this is news to us.

Dr Karan Raj made a short video on TikTok to explain the importance of wearing socks to bed.

Dr Raj, who has 2.3 million followers on TikTok, is known for his bitesize health videos and, in the above clip, he shares his wisdom on why we should put socks on before we drift off.

"You need to start sleeping with your socks on, here's why," Dr Raj begins.

He explains: "Wearing socks to bed increases the blood circulation to your feet. This causes your blood vessels to vasodilate - they widen.

Dr Raj explains why it's important to wear socks while you sleep (
TikTok/Dr Karan Raj)

"When the blood vessels widen, they can get rid of heat much quicker because of the bigger surface areas.

"This allows your core body temperature to cool down at a faster rate than normal, and a lower core body temperature is needed for optimal sleep."

He continues: "If you want better sleep, cover your feet."

A lesson to us all.

Wearing socks in bed increases circulation, explains Dr Raj (
TikTok/Dr Karan Raj)

For those having trouble drifting off at night, but who don't want to wear socks, there are other ways that can help too.

According to America's National Sleep Foundation, dilation of the blood vessels (the vasodilation Dr Raj mentions above) tells the brain it's time for bed. Some research shows that the more vasodilation in the hands and feet, the less time it takes to fall asleep.

Other tricks that can help you get a good night's sleep include layering extra blankets over the bottom half of the bed, which helps create extra warmth for your feet, popping a hot water bottle or heating pad at the foot of your bed, or splashing out on cashmere footwear to wear while you sleep.

Meanwhile, wearing insulated slippers before bed can also help prepare your body for sleep.

We'll be trying this one out tonight!

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Topics: Sleep, health news, Health