Fact Check: Is putting on wet socks while sleeping a powerful healing hack?
An Instagram post claims that putting on wet socks while sleeping is a powerful healing hack. The claim by the user is False.
Claim
In an Instagram post, it is claimed that putting on wet socks while sleeping is a powerful healing hack. In the reel, by kashkhanofficial it is said, "This is what happens if you put your feet into wet socks before you go to bed. It might sound strange for putting on cold wet socks before bed is a powerful healing hack people call magic socks. Here's how it works. When you put cold wet socks on your feet, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. This triggers body-wide circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your organs and boosting your immune function. This therapy improves circulation, promotes healing, and supports overall health all while you sleep. Here's how you do it. Take a pair of cotton socks, soak them in cold water, and ring them out. Then, put the wet socks on your feet. Next, cover them with a pair of wool socks to lock in the warmth. By morning, the cotton socks will be dry because your body worked hard to warm them up. Try this for yourself and make sure to share it with your friend who keeps getting sick to help them with their immunity."
The reel has 977k views, 31,032 likes, 808 comments and 46.2 k shares. It can be seen here.
Fact Check
The claim by the user is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user.
What is the wet sock method?
The wet sock method is a popular naturopathy treatment that many people Google as a home remedy. It involves soaking a pair of cotton socks in cold water, wringing them out, and then wearing them to bed, with a dry pair of wool socks layered on top.
Dr Manjunath PH, Consultant - Interventional Pulmonologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru spoke to the Medical Dialogues team about this wet socks method.
"The wet sock method involves wearing wet socks to bed, typically made of cotton or wool. The socks are soaked in cold water, wrung out, and then worn to bed," the doctor explained
This practice is widely discussed in alternative medicine circles and promoted for various health concerns. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. While many individuals explore it as a natural approach, medical professionals emphasize the importance of evidence-based treatments for managing illnesses.
Is putting on wet socks while sleeping a powerful healing hack?
While some suggest that wearing bed socks may offer certain benefits like improved sleep quality, no scientific evidence or expert consensus backs the claim that putting on wet socks while sleeping is a powerful hack. Additionally, healthcare professionals warn of potential risks, such as heightened vulnerability to colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.
A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that wearing bed socks to warm the feet while sleeping in a cool environment improved sleep quality by reducing the time needed to fall asleep, increasing total sleep duration, and decreasing nighttime awakenings. However, it did not have a significant impact on core body temperature or immunity.
Hence, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user.
In a conversation with Dr Manjunath PH, Consultant - Interventional Pulmonologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, he said "There are certain potential risks associated with the this technique which include:
1. Discomfort: Wearing wet socks to bed can be uncomfortable and may disrupt sleep.
2. Fungal or bacterial infections: If the socks aren't properly cleaned and dried, there's a risk of infection.
3. Raynaud's phenomenon: People with Raynaud's phenomenon should avoid cold temperatures, as they can trigger vasospasm.
It is also important to understand that there is no scientific study to back this technique and more risks are associated as it can cause more harm than good to health of a person."
Dr. H. Guru Prasad, Associate Clinical Director and Head of Department, General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad further said, "The belief that sleeping with wet socks is a powerful healing hack is a myth and can actually be harmful. When the body is exposed to prolonged dampness and cold, it can cause vasoconstriction, reducing blood circulation and potentially weakening the immune system. This can make individuals more susceptible to colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Additionally, excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial infections, particularly in the feet. For safe and effective health remedies, it’s always best to follow evidence-based medical advice."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The wet sock treatment is not a scientifically proven or medically endorsed “powerful healing hack.” While wearing bed socks may benefit in improving sleep quality, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that putting on wet socks while sleeping is a powerful healing hack. Moreover, medical experts caution against potential risks, including increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. The treatment may also lead to vasoconstriction, reducing blood circulation and potentially weakening the immune system.
Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.
