It’s possible people may get too tired from their hectic day and drop onto their bed in exhaustion. Is it okay for you to sleep with your shoes on? If it happens 1 or 2 times, it’s not a big deal. But, if it becomes a habit, you must avoid it. Wearing shoes while sleeping can stain your bed sheets and is unhealthy for your feet.
People who have an obsession with hygiene use mattress protection cover because they don’t want to spoil the beds. No matter what the reason is to put on shoes, this guide will give you a detailed explanation of why you should quit this habit before it’s too late. So, let’s dig in!
Why Sleeping with Shoes on Can Be Harmful?
It’s common for laziness to take over us. When we find something convenient or easy, we often continue doing it, even if it’s harmful to us. Here are some reasons why sleeping with shoes on can have negative effects.
1. Uncomfortable and Painful
Sometimes, there is no scientific reason to avoid sleeping with shoes on except for discomfort. If you feel unusually warm, uncomfortable, or experience foot pain at night or in the morning, it may be due to your shoes.
Your foot pain can reduce, especially if you avoid sleeping with shoes. The discomfort may cause by the type of shoes you’re wearing, whether they are too loose, too tight, or not suitable for sleeping in. Even if the shoes feel comfortable when walking, they may not be ideal for sleeping. It’s generally not recommended to wear any type of shoes for long periods of time.
2. Unhealthy & Unhygienic
Asides from harmful bacteria getting on your bed, it’s important to remember that your feet need to breathe to stay healthy. Keeping them covered overnight can increase the chances of developing fungal infections like Athlete’s foot.
An athlete’s foot often starts between the toes and occurs when the feet become sweaty. It thrives in moist and warm environments, making the inside of shoes an ideal place for it to grow. To prevent such fungal infections, make sure to keep your feet dry and don’t put on boots before going to bed.
Shoes are specifically designed for walking and not for sleeping. They may have hard soles or uncomfortable materials that can cause discomfort, foot pain, or even lead to circulation issues if worn for prolonged periods.
3. Shoes Have Disease-Causing Bacterias
In certain cultures and countries, it’s unacceptable to wear shoes inside the house. This is because shoes can carry a lot of dirt, including harmful bacteria that can be dangerous to our health. The bottom of our shoes is the primary thing between our feet and the ground, and we can step on dirt, mud, animal waste, and germs throughout the day.
If people knew how much invisible dirt and bacteria they had on their boots, they would think twice before sleeping with shoes on. A good solution to avoid this temptation is to have a shoe rack or doormat where you can easily store your shoes after coming home.
4. Skin irritation
If you wear shoes for a long time, it can harm your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Shoes have dust and other irritants that can come on your skin while you’re lying down. Because of this, it leads to skin irritation, such as itching, redness, or rashes, especially if you have skin irritation. It’s best to keep your bed free from shoes to minimize the risk of skin irritation and maintain a clean and comfortable sleeping environment.
5. Restricted Circulation
Wearing shoes for a long time can restrict proper blood circulation to the feet. This limitation can lead to feelings of numbness, tingling, and discomfort, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. The feet need freedom of movement and adequate blood flow, which can block by wearing shoes.
The Best Alternatives to Shoes
It’s not common for people to sleep with their shoes on just for style. While you might see pictures of friends or celebrities in bed with their shoes on, keep in mind that neither high heels nor sneakers are suitable for sleep.
Although, sleeping in shoes is not the best solution to having a comfortable rest in cold temperatures. But don’t worry; here are many other options available to ensure a clean, dirt-free, and peaceful sleep.
Foot Warmer
If you want a safer and more easy option to keep your body warm in bed without wearing shoes, consider using a foot warmer. One popular choice is an Electric Foot Warmer, which you can find anywhere.
You can not only use it in bed but also under your desk at work. This foot warmer is suitable for children and the elderly, providing warmth to your feet and toes for up to five hours. It’s made of soft and comfortable fabric, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Thermal Socks
If you struggle with extremely cold feet at night, sleeping in shoes is not a suitable choice. Instead, consider wearing high-quality thermal socks like the Feet Warmer Insulated Thermal Socks. These socks are a simple and convenient way to keep your feet warm. They are safe to wear and can also help regulate your core body temperature while you sleep.
Remember to dry your feet completely before putting on socks after showering. As a result, you can prevent the buildup of bacteria and reduces the risk of fungal infections. These socks are lightweight and suitable for everyday activities, ensuring both comfort and warmth for your feet.
Rice Socks
If you want a long-lasting heat source in your bed, especially during freezing weather, go with rice socks. Making your own rice socks is simple and easy. You’ll need some old socks, rubber bands, and rice. However, be cautious if you have sensitive skin to avoid burns. It’s essential not to heat the rice socks in the oven as it can be a fire hazard.
Pro-tips
- Calm your body and mind before bed with a warm bath or shower. The warm water helps lower your body temperature, signaling your brain that it’s time to sleep.
- Place additional sheets, pillows, or blankets at the foot of your bed. This can provide extra warmth and comfort for your feet while you sleep.
- Wear cozy, insulated slippers as part of your bedtime routine. Put them on about an hour before going to bed to help keep your feet warm and comfortable.
Wrap Up!
Having a good bedtime routine is significant. Make your bedroom a peaceful space for sleep and relaxation, separate from work and worries. Take off your shoes and sleep with bare feet or wear clean socks. Try to go to sleep at the same time each night. Keep the room dark and avoid watching TV or using your phone in bed.
Most importantly, invest in Serta mattresses online which are so comfortable and relaxing. Your bed should be a cozy haven that you look forward to when you drift off to sleep. So, hopefully, this blog will help you to understand better why sleep on shoes is not a good idea.
Read More: Do You Need a Headboard? Benefits of Having a Headboard
FAQs
- Why do people sleep with shoes on?
People may sleep with their shoes on for various reasons, such as when their feet are cold, when they find it more comfortable, or when they are too tired to remove their shoes.
- Why shouldn’t you sleep with shoes under your bed?
When you sleep, it’s important for the energy called chi to move freely around your bed. If you have lots of things stored under your bed, like shoes or boxes of clothes, it can block the flow of this energy. This can give you a restless sleep.
- Is it healthy to wear shoes in the house?
Wearing shoes inside can cause problems for your health, home cleanliness, and hardwood floors. It brings in harmful germs and chemicals that can harm your health. You’ll also get a dirty house which can damage your beautiful hardwood floors.
