Experts have shared the ‘disgusting’ reason why – and it is not for the squeamish
Wearing socks to bed might seem like a smart trick to keep your feet – and yourself – warm during the colder months. But experts say this is a massive no-no.
Rather than turning up the heat, many simply throw on their favorite cozy pajamas and leave their socks on overnight and wash them the next day. However, experts caution against this habit, warning that it can lead to ‘disgusting’ levels of bacteria buildup when socks are worn all day and night.
On the @calmdownpod TikTok account, the hosts revealed that “researchers are urging people to stop wearing unclean socks to bed”. This will at least provide some relief for those who only wear bed socks, because it doesn’t mean you have to endure a cold and uncomfortable winter.
Research found that worn socks often carry the same bacteria present in cockroaches and their fecal droppings. If that doesn’t convince you to ditch them before bed, we’re not sure what will.
This “disgusting” revelation shocked the show’s presenters, prompting them to question “Why are we wearing socks to bed?
“Aren’t you getting too hot?”, one of them queried, admitting that she didn’t “get it”. Mattress Next Day conducted research and reported: “Our analysis found that the same bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was found on half the male and female socks, as well as the doormat, further highlighting how important it is to change your socks before going to bed as you don’t know what bacteria can be lurking on your socks after wearing them all day”, reports the Express.
In the comments, some jumped to sock-sporters’ defence, with one astonished soul posting: ” I’m shocked this many people are clueless to life in winter in a cold climate. Who DOESN’T wear socks to bed in winter in northern latitudes?” Another chimed in espousing the virtues of a shoe-free home, “no shoes in the house fixes all this”, since unwanted outside bacteria would be less likely to contaminate the household. “Clean socks are fine”, declared another, asserting that only grubby socks pose any real germ-spreading threat.
One individual highlighted the need for feet to breathe while tucked up in bed, yet another countered mentioning, “Neuropathy in one’s feet can be a reason to wear socks to bed. The nerve damage causes a burning sensation.
“Who the f**k wears dirty socks to bed?”, exploded another TikTok user.