British summer is making a strong appearance in late August, with high temperatures set to linger into September.
But for many of us, hot weather means a disrupted sleep schedule. In fact, according to recent research by the sleep-tech firm Simba, Brits lose an average of 17 precious hours of shut-eye each month during the hotter season.
The solution? Socks. As adverse as it seems, wearing socks promotes vasodilation in the feet – the widening of blood vessels – which reduces blood pressure, helping to cool your body and signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.
Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba Sleep’s charity partner The Sleep Charity, said: “Regulating body temperature is crucial for achieving restful sleep and, unusually, wearing socks to bed can be a brilliant way of doing this.”
But if you’ve been taking your socks off up to this point, don’t worry, you’re not alone…
A recent poll shows that less than a quarter of Brits (23%) consistently wear socks to bed during the summer (falling asleep fully clothed after one too many drinks doesn’t count)!
And over a third of that figure (35%) is made up of Gen Z and millennials (18-34) who appear to be ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping cool.
According to the research, half of Brits (50%) wear underwear to bed throughout the summer, making it the most popular form of bed wear.
And nearly one in five respondents admit to ditching any form of pyjamas in exchange for their good old-fashioned birthday suit.
Beyond staying cool, socks offer additional health benefits such as alleviating Raynaud’s syndrome symptoms – a condition that stems blood flow to the fingers and toes. However, Lisa warned that this wasn’t the case with all circulatory conditions.
She explained: “Individuals with certain circulatory issues or excessive sweating may find socks uncomfortable. It’s essential to listen to your body and choose what works best for you.”
On a lighter note, a study from the University of Groningen highlights that wearing socks to bed may significantly enhance intimacy for couples.
Participants wearing them reported an 80% success rate in achieving an orgasm compared to just 50% of sockless folk – an unexpected bonus linked to foot temperature regulation.
But it’s not about any old socks – it’s about the right pair of socks. Natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo, or wool are recommended for their superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
And if you’re not keen on adding another item of bed clothing, swap one out instead!
Wearing underwear to bed can be practical, especially for women during menstruation, however, ditching the draws can minimise moisture retention along with the potential for bacterial growth, leading to improved hygiene as a result.
Lisa added: “Opting not to wear underwear allows for better airflow, which promotes the skin’s natural ability to breathe and reduces the likelihood of sweat buildup.
“When it’s too warm our bodies struggle to cool down naturally, disrupting our sleep cycle.
“Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and making small adjustments to our bedtime rituals can have a significant impact on how well-rested and energised we feel each morning.”
