Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

How socks can help people fall asleep faster

Video Player Placeholder
Expert debunks five common sleep myths
  • Many adults do not get enough sleep, contributing to hundreds of deaths from drowsy driving and increasing the risk of chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
  • Warming your toes, for instance, by taking a warm bath or wearing socks to bed, can help you fall asleep faster by naturally lowering your core body temperature.
  • Paradoxical intention therapy, a strategy where you actively try to stay awake, can also reduce anxious thoughts and ultimately help induce sleep.
  • Other tips include imagining natural scenes can lower blood pressure and heart rate, effectively combating anxiety-riddled thoughts that often prevent sleep.
  • Blowing bubbles, or practising similar breathing exercises, can reduce heart rate and blood pressure; if sleep doesn't come after 20 minutes, getting out of bed for a calming activity is recommended.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in