CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

The next time you’re struggling to fall asleep, why not try popping on a pair of socks and see if it makes a difference? One of the stranger sleep hacks we’ve come across, that doesn’t make it any less effective. Wearing socks to bed has many bedroom benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

IS WEARING SOCKS IN BED GOOD FOR YOU?

With the noticeable increase in energy bills, many of us will have turned the thermostat down during the winter. While sleeping in a cooler bedroom is better for you – with the optimum temperature considered to be around 18 degrees Celsius – if we’re too cold and can’t warm up quickly, it can be harder to fall asleep.

Without turning up the heating or piling on the blankets, slipping on a pair of socks with our night clothes can make all the difference in how well we sleep.

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BODY TEMPERATURE AND SLEEP?

Body temperature plays a big part in controlling our circadian rhythm. As we enter the initial non-REMsleep stage of the sleep cycle, our core temperature lowers. Being too hot or too cold can interfere with this process, making it harder to get to sleep.

IS IT OKAY TO SLEEP WITH SOCKS ON?

You might be wondering if it’s bad to wear socks to bed? Well, wearing socks when you sleep has some surprising benefits, as some studies have shown it can;

– Increase distal vasodilation – also known as sending blood to the feet, lowering the core body temperature

– Help you sleep for longer

– Reduce insomnia

– Reduce the onset of menopausal hot flushes

– Reduce the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome (which restricts the small arteries)

– When paired with a slathering of moisturiser, socks can help soften dry or cracked feet

– Boost your sex life – an interesting study from the University of Groningen showed that cold feet can impede the ability to orgasm. Of the cohort who wore socks, 80% were able to achieve orgasm, versus 50% in the same conditions without socks.

WHO SHOULD AVOID WEARING SOCKS IN BED?

Is it bad to wear socks to bed? Anyone with circulatory issues, those suffering from swollen feet or particularly sweaty feet, should avoid sleeping with socks on.

WHAT KIND OF SOCKS ARE BEST TO SLEEP IN?

You don’t need to rush out and buy new sleeping socks unless your current selection is synthetic. Fluffy socks might feel great – but check the label first. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are synthetic fibres which can be hotter, sweatier, and smellier than their natural counterparts. Natural fibres such as wool, bamboo, and cotton have better thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking properties.

– Bed socks: bed socks tend to have a roomier fit and a thicker material than regular socks.

– Pure cotton socks: this natural fibre allows the heat to build up and disperse without trapping moisture and encouraging bacteria.

– Cashmere and merino socks: the softest types of wool arguably make the cosiest bed socks.

WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES TO WEARING SOCKS IN BED?

The main function of bed socks is to warm the feet which can also be done in the following ways;

– Have a bath, shower, or a foot bath to gently warm the feet (add a drop of aromatherapy oil for extra relaxation)

– Don’t go barefoot – wear slippers around the house to keep your feet feeling toasty

– Place a hot water bottle or a heating pad under the duvet to preheat the bottom of the bed

– Add an extra blanket to cover the end of the bed (the Orbit™ weighted blanket is particularly snuggly and helps with restless legs)

– Ask for a hug – body heat is best when shared, so make the most of having your partner next to you

– A Simba Hybrid Duvet  uses advanced Stratos® technology which is designed to retain heat when you’re cold and release heat when you’re too warm. Simba have all the standard UK sizes (Single Duvets, Double Duvets, King Duvets and Super King Duvets), so everyone can enjoy their signature sleep tech.

Dr. Squatch is a brand that is all about high-quality personal care products for men, crafting all products with sustainably sourced ingredients that offer long-lasting freshness for the modern man who appreciates the essence of nature. 

Becoming more and more available in the UK and having become quite the household name in the US thanks to their unique and manly scents which are available as Bar Soaps, Deodorant, Cologne, Hair Care, Lotion, Face Wash, Beard Oil and Toothpaste alongside a range of accessories

For a bit of background, the brand was inspired by a love of natural products, with its founder Jack Haldrup, who began creating his own natural soap in his garage. He also knew there must be other guys out there who wanted better products with natural ingredients and manly scents. With that, Dr. Squatch was born! The Dr. Squatch mission remains the same – to raise the bar for natural products and change the way men approach their personal care.

The deodorant has a powerful odour-squatching system using natural deodorisers such as charcoalpowder to help fight body odour; postbiotics to help restore balance and and slow down bad B.O; and arrowroot to absorb moisture. It also has a smooth glide application with nourishing moisturisers like jojoba and shea butter, making it gentle on the skin. 

Similarly, the bar soaps are great for all skin types, made with a traditional cold process which retains the glycerin and nutrients in each bar without the need for harsh preservatives. They’re safe for skin and hair, with options that include exfoliating grit for a deep clean and rich lather. 

The deodorant and bar soap are available in three signature scents: Wood Barrel Bourbon, Fresh Falls and Pine Tar. 

Wood Barrel Bourbon – Imagine the rich, warm scent of bourbon mixed with smoky oak. The refined scent will turn your shower into cocktail hour with a blend of patchouli, clove and guaiac wood aromas that leave your skin feeling as good as an Old Fashioned tastes. 

Fresh Falls –  Think crisp, refreshing mountain streams. Crafted with aloe vera, peppermint oil and gentle kaolin clay, it’s a refreshing scent that kick starts your day. 

Pine Tar – A must-try for those who love the great outdoors. With real pine tar, oatmeal and nourishing oils, it has a bold, earthy scent that’s like a hike through a pine forest. 

A big part of the brand’s philosophy is embedded in philanthropic efforts, with charitable  partners including, Oudoor Outreach and Ecommerce Soap bank. Additionally, Dr Squatch know the importance of making natural soap is substituting synthetic ingredients for natural alternatives. That’s why we’ve committed to only using sustainable, RSPO-certified Palm Oil in our soaps. Excessive palm oil harvesting can cause deforestation of biodiverse forests and the destruction of natural habitats. By using RSPO-certified Palm Oil, Dr. Squatch has positioned itself as part of the solution.

Sportswear brand Macron and the iconic supercar manufacturer Lamborghini have recently launched a mutual collaboration. Both founded and based in Bologna, Italy, they have joined forces in the name of quality, innovation, performance and Italian style. The first chapter of this collaboration, which over time will be enriched with further initiatives, is for Squadra Corse, Automobili Lamborghini’s Motorsport department.

Macron X Lamborghini will partner for three seasons, dressing the Lamborghini Squadra Corse staff in support of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo championships and the Lamborghini Iron Lynx Team engaged in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship and the IMSA Sportscar Championship in the Hypercar/GTP class. The Lamborghini Squadra Corse team will be provided with Macron clothing and apparel that is high-tech, comfortable, with attention to detail and fully expresses the sporting identity of an iconic brand. The uniforms will be made from technical and functional fabrics designed to guarantee high performance.

The partnership between the two brands was born on the basis of concepts such as competition, teamwork and overcoming one’s limits, common denominators of the vision of Automobili Lamborghini and Macron that, through this agreement, has found a perfect synthesis. Two realities that, in addition to the constant pursuit of excellence, proudly share the belonging to the territory and to their roots, despite their international vision that allows the two companies to export the value of Made in Italy at a global level. It is no coincidence that the industrial districts in which Automobili Lamborghini and Macron were born and developed, the “Motor Valley” and the “Sports Valley”, represent a leading point of reference in the world in terms of entrepreneurial ability, professionalism, passion and creativity.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, says: “This partnership is a natural destination for us towards the world of sport that, in Lamborghini, is represented by the Motorsport sector. The aim is to create, together with Macron, a great teamwork and to share in the future successes that we hope will come out of this collaboration”.

With searches for ‘festivals 2024’ increasing by 2,450% many will be preparing to see some of the biggest headliners around the world at festivals such as Boomtown and Tomorrowland.

And whilst there may be a buzz in the air for the summer nights and jam-packed days, often, festival goers forget about how their sleep schedule may be affected. With this in mind, Mattress Online has compiled their top tricks and insight to get you through several nights of events without the feeling of regret the next day.

The experts at Mattress Online commented: “Sleep preparation begins before you stumble into the sack, and given you won’t be thinking about winding down for bed while you’re at the event, it can be handy to sort anything you might need beforehand to make drifting off that little bit easier and give yourself peace of mind during the days events.”

With estimates of 250,000 tents left yearly at music festivals across the UK, it is important for new campers to be physically prepared for the long nights and daily excitement.

Five tips to prepare for an eventful nights sleep:

1. Prepare personal items

Before heading out for the day’s event, prepare any essential items you may need when you come back to your home for the night. Things such as makeup remover, skincare items, and a mirror are key to ensure your skin stays glowing across the festival period. 

Remember to also make sure your sleepwear is ready, your makeshift bed is built for maximum comfort and consider taking a magnesium supplement to help drift off.

1. Toiletries to keep fresh

One problem festival goers often come across is the lack of toiletries provided, and with the high number of people attending festivals, it is likely that the porta-loos will run out of toilet roll pretty quickly so ensuring you have extra is key to avoid the early wake up call for first dibs on the new toiletries provided each morning.

It is also important to be sure to pack some easy to use hygiene items such as deodorant, wipes and dry shampoo to keep yourself feeling fresh before settling down for the night in the event that no showers are available. Going to bed feeling clean can increase the likelihood of a deeper sleep whilst cutting down time spent getting ready the next morning.

2. Hydration is key

As expected, festivals will be filled with a variety of drink options from stills to spirits and beers but with a boozy weekend comes the dreaded hangover. To avoid a pounding head, taking electrolytes when the day begins as well as at the end of the night will help revitalise and rehydrate you, as well as give you a more comfortable night’s sleep.

3.Picking your pitch

Your environment will play a massive role in your sleep quality at a festival. To  enjoy a good night’s rest, be strategic about where to pitch your tent. Opt for flat, dry ground that’s situated far enough from the hustle and bustle but near enough to any essential amenities like toilets.

However, sleeping on the ground is not only uncomfortable but provides little support to your back and neck so invest in an air mattress, comfy sleeping bag and blankets for insulation to experience a prime festival sleeping experience. If it is expected to be a warm weekend, try and look for a shady spot to help keep your tent cool and promote better sleep.

4. Morning Organisation

Having a stacked itinerary can prompt anxiety at night if you have had a late evening, take some time during the day to prepare your outfits and next day items ready to ease anxiety and save rushing around in the morning searching your tent. This will also give you time to catch some extra sleep before heading out for another music-filled day.

Avoid spending too much money by also taking snacks, have these pre-prepared for the day ahead to prioritise your diet and fuel your body with balanced, high-protein, non-perishable food items that you can eat on the go, and give you a more consistent, deeper sleep, so you can recover for the next day.

Photos by:

Maxime Bhe

Danny Howe

Aditya Chinchure

Joey Thompson

Anthony Delanoix

Hunter Newton