Can Compression Socks Be Worn at Night?
Teleport into nostalgia and think of your grandmother going to bed with compression socks put on. This familiar household scene is reminiscent of the 70s to 90s era.
But do you know that this practice is hazardous? The compression socks should not be worn at night. The persuasive reasons are;
Risk of Pulmonary Embolism or DVT
When you wear compression socks standing, this is not an issue as gravity countervails the pressure, and feet get ample blood supply.
Nonetheless, this is not the case while lying and wearing compression stockings for more than 12 hours. This restricted access to blood leads to several complicated health conditions, Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis, to name a few.
Petri Dish for Bacteria
Wearing compression socks during the night often leads to excessive sweating. The sweat welcomes yeast, fungus, and bacteria to have their share. Ultimately, the risk for bacteria rises manifold.
Worsening Varicose Veins
Compression socks are often associated as a remedy against spider and varicose veins.
However, this bone turns bane during the night. Varicose veins are produced when the blood clots stock behind the tiny valves of veins. Compression stockings get these clots minimized by applying gradual pressure.
Nevertheless, during sleep, the pressure dynamics get changed. Despite crushing down the clumps, the wrong stress leads to snowballing instead.
Paresthesia's Risk
Paresthesia is a common allergy associated with compression socks with tangible signs like burning sensation, numbness, and tingling. Usually, the recipe of disaster is cooked at night when the wearer experiences the slightest motion.
Do this if One absolutely Must Wear Compression Stockings at Night.
Old habits die hard. If you or your grandmother are addicted to this silly fashion trend. You might get some additional solace sticking with this habit.
Whatever the reason is and you are adamant about sleeping with compression stockings, the following precautions may minimize the damage.
- Apply a lotion or oil before wearing.
- Always wear a clean pair.
- Follow manufacturers' guide.
- Wash up your pair of socks with mild soap or non-irritating detergent.
- Air-dry socks on a plain surface.
Final Verdict
It is crystal clear that wearing compression socks during the night opens up a can of worms for you. You must avoid this bad habit at any cost; otherwise, the delinquency will, for sure, cost you an arm and a leg. Sleep serenely!