Many people sleep in socks at night to feel more secure and keep their feet warm during sleep. The question of whether it is harmful to sleep in socks has been questioning for years. Research on this subject has caused people who sleep with socks to be upset. According to the results of the research, the bacteria in the socks are as much as the stool bacteria. Diseases caused by these bacteria can be quite dangerous.
DIFFERENT SOCKS ANALYZED
A new swab study by MattressNextDay found that sleeping with dirty socks can expose your sheets and body to bacteria. The analysis took different people’s socks worn from 7am to 11pm. Each person wore the same socks while wearing shoes, exercising, and going about their usual daily activities.
CAN DANGER RESPIRATORY AND URINARY TRACTS
After analyzing these glands, the researchers found that half of the socks contained the same bacteria commonly found in cockroaches and feces. Known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these bacteria can infect your respiratory tract and urinary tract.
THESE PEOPLE ARE AT RISK
Dr. Deborah Lee explained that these microorganisms are mainly dangerous for those with underlying health problems. “Pseudomonas infection poses a threat only to immunocompromised individuals such as diabetics, cystic fibrosis, burns, cancer, transplant recipients and newborn babies. To protect this vulnerable segment of the population, we need to keep pseudomonas levels in check.”
YOU MUST WASH EVERY DAY
Pseudomonas thrive in a moist and humid environment that makes your bed ideal for them. Dr. Lee said: “You sweat at night in a warm bed. So this makes it an ideal breeding ground for pathogens such as pseudomonas, staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. If you prefer to wear socks in bed, I recommend going to bed with clean pajamas and clean bed socks.” The expert recommended that you wash your clothes that are worn close to the skin every day.
IT GIVES MORE SLEEP
Dr Lee added: “Before you fall asleep, your core body temperature drops. People with cold hands and feet take longer to fall asleep. By wearing socks, you warm your feet, causing blood to flow to the skin and dilating blood vessels to dissipate heat. One sleep study found that those who wore socks in bed fell asleep 7.5 minutes faster, slept 32 minutes longer, and woke up 7.5 times less at night.