The coldest months of the year arrive and many people start emptying out their closets to fall back on blankets, duvets and pajamas very dense to spend the winter nights.
But if you are one of those who also chooses to sleep with socksyou should think about changing your mind. In a new study, the bedding store chain Mattress the next day he revealed how unhealthy this common habit is.
In the study, collected by Mirrorsocks worn between 7am and 11pm were analyzed with swabs.The participants they were wearing the same socks while carrying out daily activities, including footwear and exercise.
The swabs were then sent to a laboratory, where the levels of bacteria found on the socks were compared to those present on the socks doormats and television controls.
The results were especially surprising for the 18 percent of adults who regularly sleep in socks. Research has shown that socks worn all day are not only slightly dirty, but they are 20 times dirtier than a toilet seat.
As part of its research, MattressNextDay surveyed 1,000 people and found that less than a third (30%) of those who sleep with socks say they They wore a new pair before going to bed.
That means a lot of people carry harmful bacteria in their beds unknowingly, which could jeopardize their health and sleep quality, the research team said.
Among the bacteria identified in the analyzed socks was Pseudomonas aeruginosaa pathogen that usually is associated with cockroach feces. The team said this finding is particularly alarming given that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in warm, humid conditions.
With an average breathability of up to 700ml per night and a typical bed temperature between 15.5°C and 20°Cbedrooms provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Though, despite the worrying results on sock hygiene, wear a pair of new, clean socks sleeping offers several advantages:
Higher chances of reaching orgasm: A study from the University of Groningen found that 80% of participants could orgasm while wearing socks, compared to only 50% without them.
Reduces hot flashes and night sweats: Wearing socks can help regulate your body temperature while you sleep, making it ideal for those who experience temperature changes throughout the night.
What are the health risks associated with sleeping in dirty socks?
Title: The Surprising Science Behind Sleeping with Socks: An Interview with Dr. Lisa Montgomery
Editor (Time.news): thank you for joining us today, Dr. Montgomery. With winter upon us,many people are turning to cozy blankets and warm pajamas to stay comfortable at night. However, a recent study reveals that sleeping in socks might not be as healthy as we thought. can you explain the key findings of this research?
Dr. Lisa montgomery: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The study conducted by MattressNextDay analyzed socks worn throughout the day—between 7 am and 11 pm—and collected swabs to examine the bacteria levels. What was alarming is that thes socks were found to be approximately 20 times dirtier than a toilet seat. this highlights how daily activities can lead to significant bacterial contamination, and many individuals are unaware of this when thay choose to sleep in those same socks.
Editor: That’s quite shocking! The findings also indicated that less than a third of adults who sleep with socks wear a clean pair to bed. What implications dose this have for our health and sleep quality?
Dr. Montgomery: The findings suggest that many people might be inadvertently introducing harmful bacteria into their bed habitat. The bacteria identified included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm, humid conditions typically found in bedrooms. This could jeopardize not just our health but also our sleep quality, as a contaminated environment can lead to allergies or respiratory issues for sensitive individuals.
Editor: with all this data, should people completely avoid wearing socks to bed, or is there a middle ground?
Dr. Montgomery: Great question! While the hygiene concerns are valid, wearing a new, clean pair of socks to bed can actually offer benefits. For instance, studies have shown that individuals wearing socks while sleeping have a higher chance of reaching orgasm, with about 80% of participants able to do so compared to 50% without them. Additionally, wearing socks can help regulate body temperature, which is especially beneficial for those experiencing hot flashes or night sweats.
Editor: It sounds like there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. For those who enjoy the comfort of socks at night, what practical advice can you offer?
Dr. montgomery: I recommend that those who prefer sleeping in socks invest in clean, breathable options specifically designed for sleep. This could mean having a separate pair of socks that are worn solely for bedtime. This way, you can enjoy the benefits without compromising on hygiene. Also, practicing good foot hygiene—such as washing feet and changing socks regularly—can substantially reduce bacterial presence.
Editor: Thank you for these insightful tips, Dr. Montgomery. As the winter months progress, what final thoughts do you have for our readers regarding their bedtime habits?
Dr. Montgomery: It’s crucial to create a sleep environment that supports relaxation and health. While cozy blankets and duvets are marvelous for winter comfort, it’s equally vital to be mindful of hygiene practices. Consider not only what you wear to bed but also how you maintain your sleep environment to ensure a peaceful and healthy night’s rest.
Editor: Wonderful advice! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Montgomery. This information will certainly help our readers make informed decisions about their winter sleeping habits.
Dr. Montgomery: My pleasure! Sleep well, everyone.