Should I Sleep in Compression Socks?

The short answer to the simple question of should I sleep in compression socks is absolutely yes, as long as they’re the correct style for your foot type. Socks designed for athletes are different from those meant for fashion, although many sports socks fit the bill for both. In general, socks used for sports and active life have a tighter, more secure fit and usually feature elastics or other reinforcements for stretch. While sleep socks boast increased flexibility and allow more blood flow to circulate through the leg and ankle, they’re typically thicker and don’t offer the same amount of support. If you’re suffering from something serious, like circulation problems or a heart condition, the answer may be different.

The science behind compression socks basically states that it promotes better blood circulation when your body is either in a seated or standing position most of the time, better when your muscles are in a stretched position. Different activities, such as running or jumping, cause different effects, but it seems to hold true that muscle recovery from being stretched while sleeping is faster and more efficient when performed in this manner. If you think about it, the muscles are actually repaired faster when there’s a direct pathway of blood going to them rather than simply receiving a message from the brain “I need oxygen.” That’s why professional athletes wear compression socks whenever possible.

The issue with wearing compression socks during sleep is the inconvenience of having to change them frequently. They’re bulky, and as mentioned, you’ll need to change them often to maintain the ideal blood flow. Some people also find them uncomfortable, even painful, and they may increase the frequency of infections as well. For these reasons, many doctors don’t recommend their use during bedtime, but they do have the advantage of promoting better blood circulation during resting times.