Can you sleep in your compression socks or sleeves?
The answer is - No, not if you are a generally healthy person. Do not wear your compression socks and sleeves to bed – the compression level is too high. I know I’ve heard runners and athletes swear by sleeping in their compression socks before and after a big race day, but really it’s not safe. Graduated compression is meant to be worn when you’re awake and moving around. It’s providing a constant amount of pressure to your circulatory system to fight gravity and pump that blood back to your heart.
When you’re lying down, fully horizontal for a long period of time, your circulatory system doesn’t have to fight gravity. Venous blood can easily return to the heart. The compression garment applied to your ankle and calf during the night can cut your circulation off. Now, some people do need to wear compression socks at night because of health issues or post-surgery. Even in these instances, you should only be wearing the lowest compression available (below 15 mmhg). If you think you need to wear compression at night, ask your doctor.
While you don't (and should not) wear them at night, compression socks and compression sleeves are amazing tools for recovery after an intense run, cycle, yoga session, or whatever your favorite workout is. Compression keeps your blood pumping to recovering muscle groups and clears away the lactic acid that causes soreness. You don't need to wear them 24 hours a day, but wearing them during and after activity will increase energy and decrease recovery time. But, NOT all compression socks and sleeves are the same. Let me explain...
First, let’s focus on compression sleeves. Compression leg sleeves or calf sleeves are similar to socks, but without the foot portion. They come in a variety of compression levels. Mild compression leg sleeves provide 15-20 mmHg compression and are great for wearing before you run, during your run and after. This mild compression level helps to speed up muscle recovery so your legs don't hurt after a long run or gym workout. Moderate level compression sleeves that provide 20-30 mmHg compression should only be worn DURING your work out to boost performance and protect against injury like shin splints. The stronger level of compression is amazing for enhancing your performance, but it can actually cause foot swelling if you continue to wear it after your work out. The extra tight compression at your ankle can become a tourniquet, blocking blood flow from your ankle to your foot. Bottom line: be careful to check your sleeve’s compression level before you use it for recovery. These Core-Sport sleeves are perfect for recovery.
So, now you might ask – what about the moderate compression SOCKS you sell? Does compression level matter for those? Well, you CAN wear mild and moderate compression socks before, during and after your work out. Because socks have the foot portion attached, there’s no risk of foot swelling or cutting off circulation. Wear those bad boys all day long if you want.
FAQs
It's OK to sleep in your compression socks. You can even wear compression socks 24 hours a day if you like. You just shouldn't wear the same compression socks 24 hours a day, day after day, night after night.
Is it okay to sleep in a compression sock? ›
Wearing compression socks to bed can be a safe and effective way to promote healthy circulation and reduce leg pain and swelling. However, it's important to follow the advice of a healthcare provider and choose socks that are designed for nighttime use.
Why should you not wear compression sleeves at night? ›
Experts caution against wearing a daytime lymphedema sleeve while you're sleeping. The compression may be too high, and you can hurt your arm if the sleeve twists or bunches up. If you need round-the-clock compression, ask your specialist which types of lymphedema sleeves you should wear.
Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? ›
The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.
Does sleeping in compression help recovery? ›
Research suggests that compression gear supports exercise recovery. One way it does this is by improving blood flow. Compressing the blood vessels in the body helps them pump blood more efficiently. This aids in muscle recovery by improving blood circulation to the affected area.
Can you sleep in compression tight? ›
Wearing running tights—or even compression tights—to sleep should not be a problem. As long as your friends are sleeping well, what they wear to bed is not a huge issue.
Should I elevate my legs while wearing compression socks? ›
Should I elevate my legs when wearing compression socks? Elevating your legs while wearing compression socks can help to reduce swelling in the legs, which can be particularly beneficial after surgery or for people with conditions such as varicose veins.
What happens if you leave compression socks on too long? ›
Overusing compression socks and wearing them incorrectly can break your skin and create conditions where an infection can start. You shouldn't leave the same pair of compression socks on for days at a time, and you should ask a doctor about the length of wear time recommended for treating your symptoms.
Can I skip a day of wearing compression stockings? ›
Be sure to wear the stockings as prescribed, whether putting them on as soon as possible in the morning and wearing them until bedtime, or wearing them for the entire day and night. If you forget to wear them, your legs may swell, making it difficult or impossible to get the stockings on again.
Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›
Compression stockings can have some side effects, especially if you're not wearing them correctly or you're wearing the wrong size. The most common side effects include: Skin irritation, such as itchiness or feeling cold or warm. Redness.
Your venous and lymphatic system does not work against gravity when you lie down. This facilitates the drainage of blood and lymph. In addition, skin regenerates overnight. So, for those who continuously wear compression during the day, it is advised to not wear medical compression stockings at night.
Why do my legs still swell with compression socks? ›
If your compression stockings aren't controlling the swelling in your legs, you may not be wearing the right size or compression level. If you are a size that is too big for you, your stocking may not be compressed enough. Check your size to ensure your measurements are still within the size ranges.
Can compression stockings dislodge a clot? ›
The pressure exerted by compression stockings is designed to improve blood flow and prevent new clots. It is generally not forceful enough to dislodge an existing, adhered blood clot. The primary function of these stockings is preventative, rather than being a treatment for existing clots.
Do compression socks help with nighttime urination? ›
Elevate legs or use compression socks.
Fluid buildup in the legs can contribute to nocturia. Using elastic compression socks or simply keeping your legs elevated can help redistribute fluids back into the bloodstream.
Can you wear compression socks 24 hours a day? ›
This is because when you lay down to sleep at night, the effect of gravity on your legs significantly lessens, which helps blood and lymph circulate out of the legs. So, for general wear, you CAN wear compression socks for 24 hours, but it is certainly not required.
Can I wear compression socks to bed for varicose? ›
People tend to wear compression stockings during the day, because sitting upright and standing are more likely to cause circulation problems. A person with varicose veins might try putting their feet up at night, to improve circulation. However, a doctor may recommend wearing stockings at night as well.
