Sleeping with socks on is either toasty or torture, depending on who you ask. But is it healthy?

Some people find sleeping in socks cozy and soothing, while others like the warmth socks provide in the winter but find them intolerable during the summer. Still others hate the idea of wearing socks to bed with a passion, with some going as far as calling it “psychopathic behavior.”

The truth is, it’s hard to get comfortable when your feet are cold. But are there actual upsides to wearing socks in bed, beyond toastier toes? Here’s what experts want you to know.

The benefits of wearing socks while sleeping

It might surprise you to discover that there are some specific benefits of sleeping with socks on. "It can help improve circulation, maintain body temperature and possibly improve sleep quality," Dr. Neal H. Patel, family medicine physician with Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Orange County, Calif., tells Yahoo Life.

As you get sleepy, the core temperature of the body lowers, according to the Sleep Foundation. Warming your feet by putting on socks can result in helping your body cool down through vasodilation of blood vessels, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, in Northern California. And this can help improve your sleep quality. "As the body temperature drops during sleep, people enter deeper stages of sleep," he tells Yahoo Life.

Dimitriu suggests experimenting. "Given the ease of the socks for a sleep experiment, it's worth a shot,” he says. “Consider monitoring sleep with a tracker to get objective data."

Although some find wearing socks in bed decidedly unsexy, it may also improve your sex life. One small, older study conducted at the University of Groningen found that when couples wore socks during intimacy, about 80% of the couples achieved orgasm compared with 50% without socks.

That may be because wearing socks to bed can help improve circulation. "I think socks might help for orgasm too,” Dimitriu says. "Socks may help improve blood flow to erogenous zones as well, which may be a desirable side effect.” He adds: “I can't promise it will work, but why not try to lean on the placebo effect in this case?"

Are there any risks to wearing socks in bed?

Not everyone should wear socks to bed, which is why experts recommend that people with certain medical conditions, including diabetes, speak with their doctor first.

"Those prone to ingrown nails may want to check with their doctor since tight or warm socks can potentially increase their risk of an ingrown nail," explains Patel. "Those with diabetes, foot infections or fever should also consult their doctor before wearing socks."

Other risks include constricting circulation if the socks are too tight, along with “certain hygiene issues if someone has excess sweating from their feet, which can affect the skin and the nails,” says Patel, adding: “Some of the qualities of socks can cause skin irritation. Overheating can be another issue if the socks are too warm or not breathable."

What types of socks are best?

The best socks for sleeping are ones that are breathable and have moisture-wicking fibers, such as merino wool and cashmere, says Dimitriu.

Some socks are marketed as "sleep socks," but those aren’t necessary. Sleep socks are typically thick and loose and most of all comfortable — they should be well-fitted but not so tight that they restrict blood flow. You shouldn’t wear compression socks in bed unless prescribed by your doctor, as they can block blood flow, especially when lying down.

Other factors to keep in mind: Try to change your socks every night and stay on top of foot hygiene, such as by washing your feet.

Bottom line

Some find socks help them sleep better, while others find them uncomfortable. Regardless of where you stand on sleeping in socks, Dimitriu says: "Generally, a cool bedroom and light, breathable sheets that let the body cool down at night will help everyone sleep more soundly."