Compression stockings have become a daily ally to relieve heavy legs, improve circulation and prevent certain venous disorders(1). But are you wondering if keeping your compression stockings on overnight is a good idea ?
What are compression stockings used for?
Compression stockings, also known as compression stockings, are primarily used to improve blood flow in the veins of the legs(1). They exert graduated compression, with greater pressure at the ankle, which decreases as it moves up the leg(2).
In general, for chronic venous diseases, it is recommended to put them on in the morning and take them off before bed(3).
These socks are often recommended in situations such as:
Chronic venous insufficiency(1)
Varicose veins and edema(1)
Following surgery(1)
Long air travel(1)
They are also beneficial for relieving symptoms of heavy and tired legs, especially for people who stand for long periods of time(4) or sit(5).
However, the wearing of compression stockings must be adapted according to individual needs and prescribed by a health professional.
How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings?
Wear time is a key component of the effectiveness of medical compression.
In patients with chronic venous disease, stockings are generally recommended to wear during the day (from rising to bedtime), for an average of 8 to 10 hours(3), depending on the severity of the symptoms(3).
Wearing compression stockings at night
Wearing compression stockings at night is generally not recommended(6).
When we are standing or sitting, the blood has to rise against gravity, which increases the pressure in the veins of the legs(7). However, when lying down, blood flow naturally improves(7), reducing the usefulness of compression stockings.
Nighttime wear can even be counterproductive and lead to adverse effects, such as discomfort(8) and a feeling of tightness(8).
It is possible to improve venous return, in case of discomfort in a lying position, by elevating the legs with a cushion(9) for example.
In what situations to wear them at night
Before wearing compression stockings at night, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and follow their recommendations.
Although compression stockings are usually removed before going to bed, they can sometimes be worn overnight. In particular, in specific medical contexts, and under medical supervision, including skin monitoring.
These situations mainly include post-operative periods(10) and cases of lymphedema(11). After surgery, wearing compression stockings at night can help prevent venous complications such as thrombosis(10).
In fact, in the event of prolonged bed rest, such as during long periods of immobilization, compression stockings may be recommended to prevent the formation of blood clots(10).
In these particular cases, it is important to follow medical recommendations to avoid any complications.
Rabe, E., Partsch, H., Hafner, J., Lattimer, C., Mosti, G., Neumann, M., Urbanek, T., Huebner, M., Gaillard, S., & Carpentier, P. (2017). Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: An evidence-based consensus statement. Phlebology, 33, 163 - 184. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355516689631.
Zhao, L., Li, Y., Liu, S., Wang, K., Yu, J., & Li, C. (2025). A biomechanical model for numerical simulation of the effects of graduated compression stockings on human calves. Thermal Science. https://doi.org/10.2298/tsci2503719z.
Mirakhmedova, S., Amirkhanov, A., Seliverstov, E., Efremova, O., & Zolotukhin, I. (2023). Daily Duration of Compression Treatment in Chronic Venous Disease Patients: A Systematic Review. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 13(9), 1316. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13091316
García, M., Roman, M., Davila, A., & Martin, B. (2021). Comparison of Physiological Effects Induced by Two Compression Stockings and Regular Socks During Prolonged Standing Work. Human Factors, 65, 562 - 574. https://doi.org/10.1177/00187208211022126.
Horiuchi, M., & Stoner, L. (2021). Effects of compression stockings on lower-limb venous and arterial system responses to prolonged sitting: A randomized cross-over trial. Vascular Medicine, 26, 386 - 393. https://doi.org/10.1177/1358863x20988899.
Pan, R., Benoit, R., & Girardier, L. (2004). The role of body position and gravity in the symptoms and treatment of various medical diseases.. Swiss medical weekly, 134 37-38, 543-51 . https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2004.09765.
Chen, Y., Huang, P., Hsu, C., Chang, Y., & Nguyen, H. (2022). Shank Circumference Reduction by Sleep Compression Stockings in University Students and Convenience Store Cashiers. Healthcare, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081532.
Sachdeva, A., Dalton, M., & Lees, T. (2018). Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11, CD001484 . https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001484.pub4.
Whitaker JC. Lymphedema management at night: views from patients across five countries. Br J Community Nurs. 2016 Oct; 21(Suppl 10):S22-S30. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2016.21.Sup10.S22. PMID: 27715142.
For some, holidays are synonymous with travel and long journeys. These trips by car, bus, train or plane, which sometimes cause immobility for several hours, can cause discomfort for the legs.
Signs of venous insufficiency: who and when should you consult ?
Chronic venous insufficiency, also known as chronic venous disease, can result from problems with superficial veins, such as varicose veins, or deep veins, such as the after-effects of phlebitis, causing reflux or obstruction that leads to venous hypertension in the ankle.
