Sleeping in Compression Socks

It's truly an era our grandparents never saw coming: compression socks are trending! Gone are the days of boring, beige-colored medical compression socks that are often associated with our grandparents or in hospital settings. Nowadays, compression socks have taken on a whole new purpose! Instead, compression socks are worn by all sorts of people: athletes, healthcare professionals, as well as those suffering from a wide range of medical issues. Even if you need a little extra support, a pair of compression socks can make a huge difference!

Here at Crazy Compression, we're proud to offer a vast selection of compression socks and sleeves that allow our customers to achieve their fitness and health goals without sacrificing their individuality. Choose a pair from one of our multiple collections that each boast different designs, colors, and patterns, all made here in the United States. With these options conveniently located on one site, you're sure to find something you love!
But before you make your exciting purchase, it's important that you do a little bit of research about these socks, especially if you're new to the compression sock world. We get it; you probably have questions, but don't worry. We most likely have the answers! Our blog page is full of resources to help educate our customers on any topic they can think of (involving compression socks, of course!) Keep reading to learn some basic information about wearing compression socks, and find out the answer to one of the most common questions: should you wear your compression socks overnight?

What are compression socks?
Compression socks are specialized socks that work by applying gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. Compression socks offset the increased pressure in your veins by squeezing your calves, which helps your blood flow back toward your heart. Compression socks are known for their many health benefits, such as reducing swelling and increasing blood circulation. According to Cardiovascular specialist Douglas Joseph (The Cleveland Clinic), ""These socks are most commonly used as a treatment for people with chronic venous insufficiency. In this condition, the valves in the veins don't work as well as they should. Blood has trouble getting back up to the heart, causing swelling, aching, and heaviness in the legs.""
However, they can also be worn to aid in recovery after athletic activity, to help eliminate injuries, or improve overall comfort.
Who should wear compression socks?
You might think these socks are only necessary for a small group of people, but that's not the case. Compression socks are great for people with vein and blood flow problems. However, the socks work for people without those problems, as well. Athletes and even everyday people who often travel long-distance can benefit from them.
Compression socks can reduce leg swelling in people who are on their feet all day. On the other hand, they can also benefit those who have to sit for many hours at a time, such as those who work from home or frequently take long flights. Compression socks are great for athletes, healthcare professionals, or anyone seeking recovery or extra support. Whether you're spending the day on your feet, going for a long run, or sitting at your desk all day, wearing compression socks is a great way to ensure your legs and heart get the proper treatment.

Should you sleep in your compression socks?
Due to the vast array of benefits wearing compression socks, it's unsurprising that one of the most asked questions is whether or not they should be worn overnight. We'll give you the short answer first: no. You don't have to wear your compression socks overnight to get the best results, and you're encouraged not to wear them while sleeping. This is because compression socks only really work when you're up and blood is moving down to your feet; the benefits of compression socks are strongest when standing or sitting in an upright position. When you recline, your blood does not need to travel against the force of gravity from your feet to your heart. When you're lying down to sleep through the night, you're taking away the effect of gravity. So ultimately, there's no good reason to wear compression socks overnight.

While compression socks can impact a wide range of issues while up and out of bed, it can actually be dangerous to wear them overnight. One of the dangers of wearing compression socks to bed is the potential for bunching. When you go to sleep, your socks can become bunched or twisted around your ankles. If this happens, the compression can cut off the blood circulation to your legs and feet, which can be very dangerous. That said, it isn't necessarily bad to wear compression socks while you're napping, as long as it's only for a short period. Most doctors and healthcare professionals agree that keeping your compression socks on perfectly fine while lounging or taking a nap shouldn't cause any issues.

Of course, there is an exception to the general rule of not wearing compression socks to bed. People who have vein diseases can be subject to developing open sores on their legs, so wearing compression socks overnight can, in some cases, help those sores heal quicker. Make sure to speak with a trusted healthcare provider when trying to decide if you need to wear your compression socks overnight. They can help you determine when you need to wear the socks and the right level of tightness that your compression socks should be.

As long as you're wearing your compression socks properly throughout the day, especially when you're standing, sitting, or exercising, you'll be able to gain all the medical benefits the socks offer. Unless you have specific instructions from your healthcare provider to do so, there's really no need to wear your compression socks overnight. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at 828-327-0745. We're always happy to help in any way that we can!

Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-sleep-in-compression-socks/#:~:text=But%20it's%20not%20necessarily%20harmful,pull%20them%20on%20again%20after.

https://crazycompression.com/blogs/crazy-compression/who-can-benefit-from-compression-socks

https://www.comradsocks.com/blogs/journal/can-you-wear-compression-socks-to-bed