Steam through summer nights with this sleep hack: Wear socks to bed during a heatwave for a cool, restful night's sleep.
In the dog days of summer, catching some shut-eye without AC can be a real challenge. You find yourself scrambling to find the cool side of your pillow, uncomfortably hot and desperate for relief. But what if we told you that a simple pair of socks might be the answer to your sleepless nights?
That's right, socks! You might think it sounds absurd, but there's some solid science behind the method. According to Dr. Olalekan Otulana, a UK-based GP, wearing socks during a heatwave can help you cool down and catch those Zs more easily. As your socks get warmer, blood vessels in your feet dilate, releasing heat, and leaving you feeling cooler than before you slipped them on[1].
Intrigued (and sleep-deprived), I decided to put it to the test with a pair of Moyel cashmere socks. With 20 percent cashmere, 50 percent wool, and 30 percent "other materials," these socks felt incredibly soft and comfortable for such a reasonable price[2].
The night I tried wearing them, the temperature was still hovering around 73°F (23°C). Skeptical but desperate, I slipped them onto my feet. Immediately, I was surprised by how comfortable they felt, despite the heat. And to my surprise, I fell asleep quickly and stayed asleep all night.
But, other members of our team had varying experiences with the sock method. Senior Staff Writer Frances Daniels popped her socks in a freezer bag for an hour before bed. The result? A refreshing sleeping experience, but nothing she'd do again. Staff Writer Becky George kept her socks on all night, but still ended up kicking off her covers due to the heat. Would she try it again? Yes, but only when the weather cools down a bit.
So, should you give wearing socks to bed a shot during your next heatwave? According to sleep expert Dr. Leah Kaylor, it might just help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer[1]. By warming your feet slightly, your body starts to release heat, which triggers a signal to shift heat outwards and cool down internally, allowing your core temperature to drop more efficiently. Breathable, lightweight, and thin socks like cotton or wool are the best choice for this purpose, as socks made from synthetic materials or ones that are too thick can cause your feet to overheat[1].
Remember, wearing socks to bed is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to staying cool during a heatwave. Using breathable bedding, cooling comforters, and taking a warm shower before bed can also help regulate your body temperature and promote a restful night's sleep[1][2]. With summer around the corner, it's time to bust out those chill socks and get some much-needed rest!
While exploring home-and-garden tips for a restful summer, one unexpected find in the realm of health-and-wellness involves wearing socks to bed during heatwaves. Contrary to typical expectations, this can help promote a cooler sleeping environment by promoting heat release through dilated blood vessels in your feet, leading to a more comfortable lifestyle and potentially deeper sleep. However, results may vary, as demonstrated by different experiences within our team. Breathable and lightweight materials such as cotton or wool are recommended for this purpose, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing sleep experience as part of a larger home-and-garden strategy aimed at a restful night's sleep in the summer heat.
