The Rundown
What do compression socks do?
Are there benefits to wearing compression socks to bed?
Are there any risks for sleeping in compression socks?
What can I do instead to improve circulation at night?
Bottom line: can you sleep in compression socks?
Compression socks are amazing — they can offer better circulation, relief from leg pain, and less swelling. If you’ve just entered the world of compression socks and have begun to experience the benefits, it can be tempting to want to wear them all the time. But will wearing them to bed help you maximize benefits?
In short? Probably not. Though you can sleep in compression socks, it’s really not necessary and you’re much better off wearing them during the day and enjoying the sustained benefits during the night.
What do compression socks do?
Compression socks have really stepped into the spotlight in recent years. Once considered a tool purely with medical uses, compression socks are helping athletes and regular workers recover quickly and reduce swelling. They work by gently squeezing your legs to help blood travel back to your heart, this can be extremely beneficial if you spend the majority of the day on your feet. Extended periods of standing can cause the blood in your legs to pool, leading to swelling and aches.
Although originally for people with chronic venous insufficiency, compression socks can help anyone who spends the majority of their day on their feet and deals with leg swelling or foot pain.
Are there benefits to wearing compression socks to bed?
We have no problem exploring this question, but make sure to consult your doctor before deciding whether to sleep in compression socks. They’ll be able to provide personalized advice based on your medical history. Sound good?
Now that you know how compression socks work, we can talk about if you can sleep in compression socks. To put it plainly, it’s really not necessary.
Compression socks are most beneficial during the day when the veins in your legs are fighting gravity the most. If you’re laying down, gravity is no longer an issue, so you’ll naturally have better circulation.
If you have a specific medical condition like edema, vein disease, or Restless Leg Syndrome, sleeping in compression socks might be beneficial, but that’s a question for your doctor. We don’t give medical advice. We just make cool socks.
Are there any risks for sleeping in compression socks?
Generally there aren't a lot of risks associated with sleeping in compression socks, but you could run into some issues if the fit isn't right. Socks that are too tight or have a high compression level may cause skin irritation and reduce circulation. If you're using compression socks for recovery, reduced circulation is the exact opposite of what you want.
What can I do instead to improve circulation at night?
The main reason people want to wear compression socks to bed is to increase circulation and promote recovery. Instead, put some pillows under your legs to elevate them above heart level. This will improve circulation, reduce swelling, and ease pressure on your lower back.
Bottom line: can you sleep in compression socks?
You can sleep in compression socks, but the benefits are going to be very minimal unless you have a specific medical condition. You’re better off wearing them during the day and letting your feet breathe during the night. The benefits of compression socks are greatest when you give your legs some time to rest.
