Dr. Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, Clinic Director at Physical Therapy Central’s West Edmond Clinic, was recently featured in a Nike Health & Wellness article discussing the benefits of compression socks—particularly for athletic performance and recovery.
Compression socks are designed to improve circulation by gently squeezing the muscles, helping to move oxygen-rich blood more efficiently to working muscles. “Without compression socks, your circulatory system has to work harder to overcome gravity when returning blood from the foot up to the heart,” explains Trachman.
For athletes, this can translate into improved endurance and recovery. Research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that wearing compression socks during activity may help increase high-intensity performance, while additional studies indicate they can reduce post-workout muscle soreness. By limiting muscle oscillations—excessive vibrations in the muscle during movement—compression socks also help conserve energy.
But what about wearing compression socks to bed? According to experts, the benefits are limited. “There isn’t nearly as much of a benefit to sleeping in them as there is to wearing them during the day or with activity due to the relationship with gravity,” says Bill Kelley, DPT. Since your legs are already level when sleeping, blood flow isn’t fighting against gravity the same way it does when you’re upright. However, for those interested in overnight wear, Trachman advises starting with mild compression levels (15-20 mmHg) and paying attention to how your body responds.
If you’re considering adding compression socks to your recovery routine, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider—especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
Learn more by visiting: https://www.nike.com/a/compression-socks-while-sleeping
