Can you sleep in compression socks? This is a common question amongst the many people who wear compression socks for relief from pain or swelling. So, can you wear compression socks to bed? Keep reading to discover the many benefits of wearing compression socks and whether or not you should sleep in them for 24-hour pain relief.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks
While compression socks are popular among runners, nurses, and pregnant women, they offer multiple benefits for all people. You don’t have to be an athlete or work on your feet all day to experience the comfort of compression. Compression socks relieve everyday aches and pains and improve circulation in your legs, which is especially beneficial if you have diabetes or other circulatory issues. They can also help reduce swelling in your feet and legs and relieve pain and discomfort from conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. Lastly, you might consider wearing compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can occur when blood clots form in your veins. With all these amazing benefits, one starts to wonder, “Can you sleep in compression socks and experience pain relief at night, too?”
Can You Wear Compression Socks to Bed?
While sleeping in compression socks may sound like an excellent idea initially, there are a few things to consider before you wear them to bed. Here are some pros and cons of wearing compression socks while sleeping.
Pro: Reduce Pain and Swelling at Night
Compression socks work to reduce pain and swelling in the feet and legs. If you experience significant swelling at night, wearing compression socks to bed could provide some much-needed relief.
Con: Negatively Affect Your Skin
Wearing compression socks for too long may irritate your skin, causing a “pinching” feeling or creating blisters and sores. If you apply too much pressure to the skin for an extended period of time, these results are likely.
Pro: Prevent Muscle Fatigue
Compression socks improve blood circulation, sending more oxygen to your muscles. This helps your muscles recover and rebuild while you sleep. If you work on your feet all day or are highly active, wearing compression socks to bed could help prevent muscle fatigue.
Con: Uncomfortable While Sleeping
Wearing compression socks at night may relieve aches and pains, but it could negatively impact your sleep. The material may become uncomfortable on your skin and cause your feet to be very hot. The socks may also move and bunch while you're sleeping, cutting off circulation to your legs and feet.
Con: Worsen Certain Conditions
In some cases, wearing compression socks to bed may worsen certain medical conditions. About 12 hours is how long you should wear compression socks, so wearing them for 24 hours could cause problems. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before wearing compression socks at night if you have increased blood pressure, heart issues, varicose veins, spider veins, or another medical condition.
So, Can You Sleep in Compression Socks?
While there may be some benefits to wearing compression socks to bed, we recommend wearing them during the day and giving your feet and legs a rest at night. Rather than worrying about the socks causing skin irritations or negatively impacting your sleep, take them off at night unless your medical doctor advises you otherwise.