Why experts recommend not wearing socks to bed

Constantly changing your sheets may seem like a hygienic habit, but sometimes bad habits go unnoticed while you’re sleeping. A survey of the sleeping habits of 1,017 British people revealed that 18% of respondents admitted to wearing socks to bed.

However, it’s not just wearing socks to bed that’s worrisome; 70% of people are too lazy to change into a new pair before bedbut they’re still wearing the same socks they’ve been wearing all day.

The practice has been criticized by health experts because the socks are dirty May contain nasty bacteria like those found in cockroaches and feces. A more detailed study revealed that half of the socks worn by respondents between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that can cause infections in humans.

Interestingly, some of the socks were even dirtier than a TV controller that hadn’t been cleaned in a while, which is concerning considering that electronics are a breeding ground for bacteria.

What should someone who wants to sleep with their feet warm do?

Additionally, experts note that feet have approximately 250,000 sweat glands, which means moisture can accumulate on dirty socks and feet. Leads to the proliferation of dermatophytes, leading to the dreaded athlete’s foot.

So researchers have some top tips for those looking to keep their feet warm at night: Put on a clean pair of socks before going to bed. They also recommend washing used socks at temperatures above 60 degrees to eliminate any bacteria and maintain adequate hygiene.