16-05-2025
Should You Wear Compression Socks to Bed?
In most cases, a doctor will recommend removing compression socks before going to bed. But they may advise wearing them overnight if you have venous ulcers or are recovering from venous surgery.
Compression socks are a type of compression therapy that works by applying gradual pressure to the legs, which can help improve blood flow and circulation.
They're often used to help manage conditions like varicose veins, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend wearing compression socks during the day and removing them at night. Sometimes, they may also suggest wearing them overnight for a short period.
However, it's important to note that very limited research has examined the effects of wearing compression socks at night. A healthcare professional can help you determine whether nighttime use is appropriate for you.
Keep reading to learn more about the possible benefits and risks of wearing compression socks at night.
Why are compression socks recommended for the daytime?
Your body positioning during the day and night may affect how blood flows throughout your body.
During the day, you're more likely to be in a vertical or upright position, such as standing or sitting, so gravity causes blood to move down toward your legs.
If you have an underlying condition like varicose veins, your blood may not be able to circulate back up to your heart normally. This can cause blood to pool in your legs, causing swelling, pain, heaviness, and possible complications.
Compression socks offer different levels of pressure throughout the leg, with the strongest at the ankle. This continuous, gradual pressure helps your blood flow back up to your heart.
However, at night during sleep, you're most likely to be in a horizontal position. In this position, gravity has less of an impact, and the return blood flow back to the heart is usually stronger.
As such, you may not need the extra support from compression socks to manage your blood circulation, even if you have a health condition like varicose veins.
Are there benefits to wearing compression socks at night?
Very limited research has examined the effects of wearing compression socks at night, but they may be beneficial for a short period in some instances.
A 2023 review found that nighttime use was mainly used for a short period for people who had venous ulcers or after some invasive procedures, including:
radiofrequency ablation
varicose veins stripping
phlebectomy
People most often wore compression socks during the day and at night. The duration of nighttime use ranged from 1 week to 13 weeks, but the most common timeframe was 1 week. After this, daytime use only was recommended.
Other research suggests that an ulcer stocking system may help manage venous ulcers. These special compression stockings are made up of two stockings, or layers:
Understocking: This is the inside layer. It applies mild pressure, holds the bandage in place, and helps the outer layer slide over. The understocking can be left on overnight.
Overstocking: This is the outside layer. It applies additional pressure and should be removed at night.
Not all research recommends their use
Despite these findings, not all research supports the possible benefits of wearing compression socks at night.
A small 2022 study in 20 people compared the effects of wearing compression socks during the day or at night to manage edema, which is swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet related to fluid retention.
At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that wearing compression socks at night had very few benefits. Although wearing them helped relieve swelling slightly, the swelling came back within 10 minutes of being awake.
A 2024 study in 60 people who underwent endovenous ablation compared the effects of wearing compression socks for 7 days straight or only at night for 12 weeks.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found no significant difference between the two groups.
A healthcare professional can help you decide whether wearing compression stockings at night is recommended.
Can daytime compression socks help manage nighttime symptoms?
In most cases, compression socks are recommended to be worn during the day. This may help manage conditions in which symptoms can occur at night, possibly disturbing your sleep.
These conditions may include:
restless leg syndrome, especially during pregnancy
obstructive sleep apnea
asthma
venous insufficiency
What are the risks of wearing compression socks at night?
In general, compression socks that fit properly are a very safe, noninvasive treatment method for managing lymphatic and venous conditions.
Limited research has examined the possible side effects of wearing them at night, but possible side effects and complications have been identified for their general use.
The most common side effects are skin problems, such as:
irritation
dryness
itchiness
pain
discomfort
discoloration
In rare cases, compression socks may lead to some complications, including:
allergic reaction to the compression sock material
edema in the front of your foot and toes
infections
tissue damage or necrosis (skin cell death)
nerve damage
arterial impairment
blood clots
heart failure
It's very important to ensure that your compression socks fit properly and that they're not too tight. A healthcare professional can help you choose and correctly size them.
What can you do instead of wearing compression socks?
If you wear compression socks during the day as prescribed by a doctor, you should be fine to take them off before bed. If you experience any discomfort, you may wish to consider:
applying a fragrance-free moisturizer to help manage any skin symptoms
elevating your legs above heart level to promote blood flow
taking a short walk to promote blood circulation
avoiding crossing your legs or ankles, as this may reduce blood circulation
A healthcare professional can recommend other alternatives for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings?
Healthcare professionals recommend wearing compression stockings during the hours of waking up and going to bed. However, the exact time may vary depending on the underlying condition you have.
Healthcare professionals recommend wearing compression stockings during the hours of waking up and going to bed. However, the exact time may vary depending on the underlying condition you have.
Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings?
Compression stockings help fluid and blood in your legs move back up to your heart.
Compression stockings help fluid and blood in your legs move back up to your heart.
Should you elevate your legs when wearing compression socks?
Elevating your legs when wearing compression socks can further help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness.
Elevating your legs when wearing compression socks can further help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness.
How long does it take for compression socks to reduce swelling?
They start to help as soon as the socks are put on. The timing for the full effects will depend on how much fluid is already in the legs.
They start to help as soon as the socks are put on. The timing for the full effects will depend on how much fluid is already in the legs.
The bottom line
Compression socks are a type of noninvasive therapy that can help promote blood flow and manage lower limb swelling and pain.
Most people only have to wear them during the day. But a doctor may recommend nighttime compression socks if you have venous ulcers or are recovering from an invasive treatment like radiofrequency ablation.
