Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter
No holds barred, unscripted discussion on a wide range of sleep topics - from sleep disorders to current research and controversies in the field. No topic is off limits! Dr. Chris Winter is a clinician, a board certified neurologist and double boarded sleep specialist with 30 years of clinical experience. He is the author of The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child, and is a popular consultant and speaker, working for many professional sports teams. He is well known for his unique perspective and ability to demystify sleep, all of which he brings to Sleep Unplugged.
Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter
#205 - Socks In Bed: Taking All The Heat On Your Feet
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People tend to have surprisingly strong opinions about wearing socks in bed. Some people swear by them, claiming they fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Others find them uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or far too warm. But beneath this oddly polarizing sleep habit lies some genuinely fascinating science involving thermoregulation, circulation, and the body’s preparation for sleep. In this episode, we will:
- Explore why warming your feet may actually help cool your core body temperature
- Review the physiology of distal vasodilation and why warming the feet may help people fall asleep faster
- Discuss the landmark research by Kräuchi, Raymann, Ko, and others examining foot temperature and sleep onset
- Examine how socks may improve sleep continuity and reduce nighttime awakenings in cooler sleeping environments
- Explain why warm feet and a cool bedroom may actually represent an ideal combination for sleep
- Discuss the difference between healthy sleep-supportive habits and sleep rituals that can evolve into “sleep effort”
- Review what types of socks may work best for sleep, including breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics
Original intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)
Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)
Produced by: Maeve Winter
Music by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reserved
More
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- Bluesky: @drchriswinter
- The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child
Thanks for listening and sleep well!
