There are a lot of things you know are good for you to get a better night's sleep.
For example, getting more exercise throughout the day, adhering to a sleep schedule, and turning off all your electronics an hour before you get some shut eye are all proven to have positive effect on how much sleep you get each night.
But there are some theories, like whether or not you should wear socks, that have been debated for quite some time.
In fact, many people have taken a firm stance on what they believe to be true...
i can't trust u if u wear socks to bed
— sabrina. (@sabs0ul) September 12, 2017
On the other hand, you have people who are all for it, and can't imagine going to bed without socks on.
Wearing fluffy socks to bed improves the experience dramatically
— Eleanor (@eleanord97) September 14, 2017
According to science, wearing socks to bed does more than just improve your sleep experience.
A study published in the International Weekly Journal of Science found that people who wear socks fall asleep fifteen minutes sooner than people who don't.
When you're feet are warm and cozy, your blood vessels dilate, which send signals to your brain that you're tired and ready to go to sleep.
Then this heat is sent throughout your body to get you ready for a nice slumber.
The study also found that people who wear socks to bed experience less hot flashes and dry feet.
Some cultures believe in the positive effects of sleeping with socks on.
Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, a doctor of Chinese and integrative medicine, told Reader's Digest that for centuries people have known the benefits of keeping their feet warm to help them sleep.
"Cold feet can drain the energy of the body and can obstruct the flow of vital qi (energy) and blood (nutrition) in the body. For that reason we want to circulate the "˜qi and blood.' By doing so we keep painful obstruction away from the body and keep the energy flowing smoothly," she said.
"Cold impedes the flow of energy and heat or warmth encourages it. If you think about a warm bath you relax, and in cold water you tense up. Cold creates stagnation which can also lead to pain (think Reynaud's Syndrome)," she added.
In my personal experience, wearing socks to bed in the winter has always helped me fall asleep faster, especially days that I feel restless.
I wouldn't try it in the summer, but I'll always wear socks when I'm camping.
