If you’ve heard of compression socks, you probably already know the many benefits that wearing compression socks can add to your life. Compression socks help to boost your circulation, decrease swelling in your legs, feet, and ankles, and even help to reduce pain and the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins.
With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that compression socks have become incredibly popular for people with or without diabetes. People from all walks of life continue to swear by the efficacy of compression socks, leading them to ask: can I wear my compression socks while I’m sleeping?
This helpful article will explore that topic (and more!).
Should Diabetics Wear Compression Socks to Bed?
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of poor blood circulation, which causes many issues in the legs and feet. If that wasn’t enough, many diabetes-treating medications can also increase the risk of peripheral edema – the retention of fluid in your legs that often causes swelling, discomfort, and, in extreme cases, debilitating pain.
Compression socks help to reduce edema and swelling by applying consistent pressure on the legs and feet, which allows blood to circulate back to the heart, where it belongs. If you wear compression socks consistently, you should find a significant reduction in your swelling, edema, and pain.
Wearing Compression Socks at Night During Pregnancy
Wearing compression socks while sleeping can be particularly beneficial during pregnancy. As early as the 27th week of pregnancy, many women experience swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs due to increased fluid retention and decreased circulation. It is advisable to start using compression socks before noticeable swelling begins. These socks help reduce swelling and muscle cramps common in pregnancy. Also, they aid in muscle recovery as your legs bear the added weight of the baby.
Compression Socks for Other Conditions
Compression socks are also advantageous for individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. Wearing these socks overnight can lessen the pain in the lower legs, providing relief upon waking. They are equally beneficial for those suffering from varicose veins, offering vital support to the vascular system. Compression socks can reduce fatigue for people who spend long hours standing, positively affecting overall mood and energy levels. Although compression socks are a non-invasive remedy for pain, consulting with a healthcare provider before beginning their use is crucial.
How Long Can You Wear Compression Socks?
A traditional compression sock with uniform tightness and consistent pressure across the entire sock is not recommended for all-day and night wear. Instead, opt for graduated compression socks, which are tighter around the feet and ankles and gradually lessen tightness towards the top. These can be comfortably worn throughout the day and even overnight. Additionally, choosing socks with mild compression is advisable.
Individuals without diabetes may only need to wear compression socks during the work day when they are most often on their feet, while those with diabetes may find that wearing them more often proves to be more beneficial for their unique foot issues.
Suppose you think you’ll be wearing your compression socks often. In that case, we recommend picking up multiple pairs to ensure that your legs and feet consistently benefit from compression socks while maintaining hygiene. Also, we recommend periodically removing your compression socks, applying some lotion to your skin, and allowing the skin to breathe.
Can You Wear Compression Socks to Bed?
Those who suffer from issues related to their feet (such as edema, painful swelling, and varicose veins) will likely find that they want to keep their compression socks on as long as possible to receive more of the benefits of compression on their pain management and lifestyle.
With that in mind, many who wear compression socks ask a common question: should you wear compression socks to bed? The answer is yes! No risks are associated with wearing mild compression socks 24 hours a day, including sleeping. We only recommend wearing a different pair of compression socks every day, as people with diabetes are more prone to risk of infection in their feet. That means you should always wear a clean pair of compression socks.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks to Bed?
Sleeping in compression socks can assist in contributing to all of the beneficial effects that have made compression socks popular for people with diabetes, as well as people without diabetes.
We must only mention that wearing compression socks to bed will not be as effective in reducing varicose veins and the pain associated with the condition. This is because varicose veins are caused by increased leg pressure when standing. This pressure is no longer an issue when lying down and sleeping. However, other common leg and foot issues, such as heaviness, restless leg syndrome, swelling and poor blood circulation, will still be aided by wearing mild compression socks when you sleep. For these reasons, we recommend wearing them to bed – as the benefits will only be more prominent the more you wear them.
Best of all, compression socks help reduce pain – allowing you to sleep easier at night. A restful sleep leads to a healthier lifestyle overall.
Our Pick for the Best Compression Socks: Viasox Compression Socks
If you’re looking for a new pair of compression socks designed to help with swelling and poor blood circulation, look no further than a new pair of Viasox Compression Socks. Our compression socks feature graduated compression, making them ideal for those with a comfortable pressure level for day-to-day activities.
Viasox Compression socks have a slew of features, including:
- 12-15mmHg compression, making them easier to take on and put off than any other compression socks
- Moisture-wicking and odor-repelling bamboo charcoal-infused fabric
- Perfect level of compression of all-day energy in the legs and feet!
So, get the best compression socks specifically designed for your needs and enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle today!
