We've all had days where we're too exhausted to even take off our shoes. Maybe you've woken up in a panic realizing you slept all night with your sneakers on, or perhaps you know someone who regularly keeps their favorite footwear close, even in bed. If you're curious about the hygiene, health, and comfort consequences of sleeping with shoes on, keep reading for the surprising facts.
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As odd as it might sound, some people do wear their shoes to bed. They may do this for any number of reasons, including:
Before you decide to keep your footwear on tonight, it's important to weigh the potential negative effects outlined below.
Shoes are not the cleanest item of clothing in your wardrobe. Consider all the surfaces you walk on during the day. This includes parking lots, grassy lawns, mud puddles, busy sidewalks, hallways, public restrooms, and everywhere in between. Microbiologist, Dr. Charles Gerba, performed a study on the cleanliness of footwear and came to some disturbing results:
If all that nasty bacteria is on the bottom of your shoes, do you really want them in your bed?
Although some people love the snug fit of a good pair of shoes, most people enjoy the sensation of taking shoes off at the end of a long day. Being able to wiggle your toes and feel the texture of your flooring under your bare feet is a good feeling. Sleeping with shoes on is clunky and deprives your feet of freedom at the end of the day. When you need a good night's rest, make sure you are doing everything you can to make your body comfortable.
In hot or humid climates, keeping socks or shoes on for long periods can trap moisture around the feet. When that happens, bacteria and fungi have an easier time growing, which can lead to irritation or infection.
A common example is athlete's foot. This mild fungal infection often develops between the toes and thrives in warm, moist environments like the inside of a shoe. Sleeping with your shoes on keeps your feet in those conditions longer, which can raise your risk. Giving your feet time to breathe and dry before bed helps support healthy skin and lowers the chance of developing an infection.
Is sleeping in socks just as bad as sleeping in shoes? Thankfully, it's not. Socks don't confine your feet in the same way that shoes do. Plus, socks are more comfortable. If you suffer from cold feet at night, pulling on a pair of thermal socks is a great way to warm up and stay cozy.
Sleeping with your socks on can also help promote better sleep. Studies have found that people with warm feet fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than people with cold feet. Next time you're having difficulty sleeping, instead of reaching for your favorite pair of shoes, grab a pair of clean socks.
Establishing a bedtime routine can make a big difference in how well you sleep. Try to keep your bedroom a space for rest and comfort rather than work or worries. Slip off your shoes, settle in barefoot or with clean socks, and give yourself the chance to unwind. Going to bed at the same time each night, dimming the room, and stepping away from phones and TVs can all help your body ease into sleep more naturally.
A comfortable mattress is also essential. When your bed feels supportive and inviting, it becomes a place you look forward to at the end of the day. For more guidance on creating healthier sleep habits, download our Guide to a Better Night's Sleep.
If you live and slumber anywhere in the Sarasota or Venice, Florida area, Land of Sleep can help you select the perfect mattress that suits your sleep requirements. For further information, contact us today.