New research by investigators from the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences in Osaka, Japan as well as other collaborative universities examined the effects of wearing a compression garment during overnight sleep on recovery from high-intensity eccentric lower-body exercise.
A total of 17 male college students participated in two experimental training sessions. The students then either wore or did not wear a lower-body compression garment the same night during sleep. The protocol was designed to be fatiguing by including 10 sets of 10 repetitions of maximal isokinetic eccentric and concentric knee extensor contractions, with 30-second rest intervals.
Immediately before, after, and 24 hours after the protocol maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force of the quadriceps was measured and related surface electromyographic data was obtained.
MVIC force 24 hours after the fatiguing protocol was ~10% greater following the sessions the subjects wore a compression garment the same night. Changes in electromyographic variables over time did not significantly differ between the conditions. The investigators concluded that wearing a compression garment during sleep after a very intense workout may promote improved localized muscle recovery even though it did not have an impact on measured neurological factors.
FAQs
“There is no benefit to wearing compression stockings to bed — when the leg is flat in bed, gravity does not affect blood flow,” Kim said. “That being said, it doesn't hurt to wear them to bed if you please.
Is it okay to sleep in compression clothes? ›
Wearing them 24/7 could also be hard on your skin. Nighttime is a good time to peel them off, rub in some lotion and let your skin breathe. But it's not necessarily harmful to wear compression garments while you're sleeping, especially for short periods.
Is it good to wear compression overnight? ›
"There is no benefit to wearing compression stockings to bed—when the leg is flat in bed, gravity does not affect blood flow", Kim said. "That being said, it doesn't hurt to wear them to bed if you please. Just bear in mind that wearing them in bed doesn't mean you don't have to wear them during the daytime.
Do I have to wear my compression garment at night? ›
Your compression garment should be worn day and night (with the exception of showering or bathing) for anywhere between one to three weeks. The exact timeframe will vary depending on your body, the procedure you had and any additional factors determined by your plastic surgeon.
Should a compression sleeve be worn at night? ›
You should wear the compression sleeve during the day and take it off at night. Put the sleeve on as soon as possible in the morning and make sure to wear it when you're exercising. A daytime sleeve is a tube of strong but flexible fabric that extends from the wrist to the upper arm.
Can you leave compression on overnight? ›
If your doctor told you to wear them, you'll probably want to keep them on most of the day. Your doctor should tell you how often and how long you need to use them. Most compression socks are safe to wear for a few hours. You can wear prescribed compression stockings all day and sometimes even all night.
Can special compression garments be worn overnight? ›
Wearing daytime compression garments is one of the key elements for managing your lymphedema and feeling comfortable during the day. Nighttime compression garments can support your lymphedema treatment overnight: They help maintain your edema reduction and to counteract fluid accumulation at night.
Is it OK to wear compression clothing all day? ›
Garments like compression shirts with too much pressure might cause breathing problems. Most people find compression clothing rated less than 29 mmHg comfortable. At that amount of pressure, you can wear compression clothes like tights, socks, or shirts all day without problems.
How tight should a compression garment be? ›
Snug Fit. A properly fitted compression garment should feel like a second skin. It must hug the body closely but not so tight that it causes discomfort or restricts movement. This balance ensures the garment can support healing by applying even pressure without causing additional stress to the body.
What is the difference between a binder and a compression garment? ›
Binder vs Compression Garment Overview
A binder offers immediate support post-surgery, helping to reduce swelling and stabilize the abdominal area. It's typically less form-fitting than compression garments. On the other hand, compression garments provide a more uniform pressure on the surgery site.
You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).
Is it okay to sleep with a compression bandage? ›
Re-wrap the area every 3-4 hours because the bandage will loosen. Do NOT sleep with the bandage on. Elevation helps slow bleeding and swelling. It also prevents fluids from pooling and returns blood from the affected area back to the heart.
When should you stop wearing compression? ›
If you're having major surgery or surgery on your legs, hips, abdomen or other area below the waist, you should wear your compression stockings for a minimum of two weeks and up to two months until you're fully mobile. We highly recommend consulting with your surgeon in this case.
Is it good to wear tight clothes while sleeping? ›
Wear loose clothing
You want to feel comfortable, plus studies show that tight clothes may negatively affect your circulation and breathing.
How long can you wear compression clothing? ›
Most people find compression clothing rated less than 29 mmHg comfortable. At that amount of pressure, you can wear compression clothes like tights, socks, or shirts all day without problems. For some medical conditions, it's crucial to wear compression clothing for several hours or all day.
Should you sleep with or without compression? ›
While compression stockings offer significant benefits for improving circulation and enhancing leg comfort, it's best to give your legs a break from compression during sleep. This allows your body to undergo its natural healing processes without hindrance.
