Shutterstock
Guide

One hell of a mood killer? Yeah, right: socks belong in bed!

Martin Jungfer
7.11.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

If you want to fall asleep faster, here’s a good trick: put on socks! It’s a proven fact that cold feet send the wrong signals to your body.

It's a good idea to keep the window open and let in some fresh air to get a healthy sleep. The drawback: in autumn and winter, air isn’t only fresh, but often cold. As a result, many get literal cold feet, even under a comforter. The simple solution? Put on socks. But this is seen as boring, and infamously, a mood killer.

Turns out, keeping your feet warm has amazing benefits for your health and well-being. Our body isn’t always the same temperature – it regulates itself in a 24-hour rhythm. In the evening, blood vessels in the hands and feet dilate to release heat. The signal: it’s time to go to bed.

My approach sounds contradictory at first, then. The body wants to lower its temperature, so feet that are already cold should work best, right? Turns out we aren’t that simple after all. In actuality, cold feet tend to keep the body tense and awake. It needs a natural cooling process that starts with warm feet.

The right socks help

The easiest way to keep your feet warm is to wear socks. But not every pair is suitable. Choose socks that aren’t too tight. Socks made of breathable materials such as cotton or merino wool are well suited. Like these, for example:

A bath for your feet

A foot bath is perfect for getting into bed with very clean feet. It promotes relaxation, loosens strained muscles, nurtures the skin and warms the feet. Fellow editor Natalie has tested three foot bubble baths if you’d like some inspiration.

Of course, a sufficiently large tub with warm water would also do the trick.

Socks for better sex?

Do you also suffer from cold feet? How do you warm them up? Let me and the Community know in a comment.

Header image: Shutterstock

27 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

Journalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment. 


Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Fashion
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Guide

    5 clothing essentials to help you fend off the cold effectively

    by Laura Scholz

  • Guide

    The basics of foot care: how to give your own pedicure at home

    by Moritz Weinstock

  • Guide

    Made for yanking: why you’re not to blame for ladders

    by Laura Scholz