I’m a sleep expert – here’s a common mistake that could be putting your health at risk
EXPERTS have touted wearing socks to bed as key to achieving a deep sleep.
Slipping on socks before sliding into bed can signal to your body that it’s time to get some shuteye.
They can also regulate your body temperature, which will help you drift off more easily.
But those of you who’ve caught on to the benefits of covering your feet to sleep might be making a grave mistake – and you could be putting your health at risk.
Experts at MattressNextDay stressed that it was important to not just go to sleep in the socks you’ve been wearing all day, as they can spread dangerous bacteria in your bed.
You might be thinking: how dirty can my socks really be?
Pretty filthy, it turns out.
MattressNextDay swabbed different people’s socks that were worn from 7 am to 11 pm.
Each person wore the same socks whilst wearing shoes, exercising, and going about their everyday routine.
The swabs were then sent to a lab and MattresNextDay found half of the socks had bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that lives in the environment and is commonly found in soil and water.
An ultra resistant strain of it was recently discovered in eyedrops sold in US pharmacies – and resulted in three deaths and four people having their eyeballs removed.
The bacteria is often the culprit behind blood and lung infections.
It’s also commonly found on cockroaches and in their faecal droppings, according to Huffington Post.
“It typically infects the airway and urinary tract, and causes infection of the lungs. It can easily spread on tools that get contaminated and are not properly cleaned,” the sleep company said.
For comparison, they also swabbed bacteria hotspots such as a doormat and a TV remote.
MattressNextDay found that people’s socks and doormat were just dirty as each other. And shockingly, the socks harboured more bacteria than a TV remove.
Studies have shown the household devices can carry germs linked to urinary tract infections, as well as E. coli.
The sleep company said only 30 per cent of people change their socks when going to bed.
It’s not a great thought that 30 per cent of us have been carrying germs into the place where we rest and recuperate.
But don’t let this deter you from wearing socks to snooze – all you need to do is put on a fresh pair before slipping between your sheets.
Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide, advised splashing out on some good quality bed socks as your only bedtime clothing.
Go for socks made from wool or cotton so that they’re breathable, as sleeping in cheap, synthetic socks is only going to result in you waking up with sweaty trotters, she said.
Whatever the sock you wear to bed, please just make sure they’re clean.