Shoes On Or Off: The Sleep Conundrum

Sleeping with your shoes on is a common habit, but it's not a good one. It's unhygienic, uncomfortable, and can be painful. Shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria—a study by microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba found an average of 421,000 bacteria on the outside of a shoe and 2,887 on the inside, with E. coli present on 27% of shoes tested. The confined space and warmth of a shoe are also ideal conditions for fungal infections like Athlete's Foot to develop. Aside from the health risks, sleeping with shoes on is simply uncomfortable. Our feet need to breathe and be free to move, and shoes restrict this, leading to discomfort and poor sleep. So, if you value your health and a good night's rest, it's best to kick off your shoes before climbing into bed.

Bacteria and disease

The soles of shoes are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can cause various diseases and infections. Research has shown that the average shoe contains approximately 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside and 2,887 on the interior. In just two weeks, a new pair of shoes can accumulate 440,000 units of bacteria, with 27% of that total comprising deadly E. coli.

Types of Bacteria Found on Shoes

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

E. coli is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of animals and people. However, it becomes dangerous when it spreads outside the intestinal tract, often through faecal matter, and can cause intestinal infections, urinary tract infections, and lung conditions. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and, in rare cases, kidney failure and death.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

C. diff is a highly contagious bacterium that causes diarrhoea and colon inflammation. It is estimated to cause nearly half a million infections and 15,000 deaths in the United States annually. C. diff spores are resistant to many household cleaning products and heat, acid, many antibiotics, and disinfectants, and can survive on surfaces for months.

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)

Staph is a potent bacterium that can cause skin conditions, heart infections, blood infections, and more. Advanced staph infections are difficult to treat, as there are very few effective antibiotics. Staph infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

COVID-19

A study by the CDC found that COVID-19 aerosols can linger on floors for up to three days, emphasising the importance of frequently cleaning shoes to prevent the spread of this virus.

Micrococcus

Micrococcus is a bacterium found on floors and in water, soil, meat products, and human body odour. While it may not be harmful on its own, it can become potentially dangerous when combined with other bacteria.

Bacillus

Bacillus is a rod-shaped bacterium linked to food poisoning and other gastrointestinal problems. While it may not be very dangerous by itself, it can be harmful when mixed with other bacteria.

Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas is a bacterium that is generally not harmful to healthy individuals but can be deadly to those who are immunocompromised. It can cause infections and produce exotoxins that affect the proper functioning of cells.

Preventing the Spread of Bacteria

To prevent the spread of bacteria from shoes, it is important to:

• Clean shoes regularly, using disinfectant products such as the UVZone shoe disinfectant.
• Remove shoes before stepping inside the home and keep them outside or on a shelf off the floor.
• Clean floors at least once a week to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading throughout the house.

Foot rot

The first sign of a foot rot infection is when the skin between the claws of the hoof begins to swell. This usually appears 24 hours after infection. The skin between the toes may be very red and tender, and the toes may separate due to the swelling. The animal will experience extreme pain, which will cause sudden onset lameness, and a raised body temperature. A crack may develop along the infected part and is typically yellow in colour. The foot will also emit a foul odour.

In hot and humid climates, people who sleep with socks or shoes on their feet are at risk of developing foot rot due to the accumulation of moisture and bacteria inside their footwear. Even in temperate climates, people can contract a fungal infection known as Athlete's foot, which usually develops between the toes and thrives in warm, moist conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep barefoot or with clean socks to reduce the risk of infection.

Athlete's foot

The fungus that causes athlete's foot is commonly found in places like showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms. It can be spread by direct contact with fungi or infected skin, or by contact with contaminated items such as socks, shoes, and towels. It can also be spread by scratching the itch and then touching other parts of the body, or via contaminated sheets or clothing.

To prevent athlete's foot, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet carefully and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use talcum powder or an antifungal powder for extra protection. Keep your toenails short and clean. Change your socks daily, and wear sandals when walking in moist areas.

If you do get athlete's foot, it can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Be sure to follow the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if the infection appears to have cleared up, as the fungus may still be present.

Sleeping with shoes on can increase your risk of developing athlete's foot. Shoes are not the cleanest item of clothing, as they come into contact with various surfaces throughout the day. A study by microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba found that there were, on average, 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside of a shoe and 2,887 on the inside. E. coli was found on 27% of the shoes tested, and bacteria were transferred from the shoe to uncontaminated floor tiles 90-99% of the time. Therefore, sleeping with shoes on can introduce bacteria into your bed and increase your risk of developing infections like athlete's foot.

Discomfort

Sleeping with shoes on can be uncomfortable and painful. If you experience abnormal warmth or discomfort at night, or have foot pain in the morning, your shoes could be the culprit. The type of shoe you wear could be the cause of this soreness, or they may be too loose or too tight. They may feel comfortable when walking, but sleeping in them is a different story.

The sensation of taking shoes off at the end of the day is something most people enjoy. Being able to wiggle your toes and feel the texture of the floor beneath your feet is a good feeling. Sleeping with shoes on deprives your feet of freedom and comfort.

Some people have shared that they feel confined and that their feet sweat when sleeping with shoes on. Others have said that they feel "naked" or like "something is missing" when they don't sleep with shoes on, indicating that they have become dependent on this habit.

If you experience cold feet at night, a better alternative to shoes is to invest in a good pair of thermal socks or slippers. This will help keep your feet warm and comfortable without the discomfort and health risks associated with sleeping in shoes.

Stained bedsheets

The bottom of your shoes are the primary separator between your feet and the ground, and who knows what you've stepped in throughout the day? Dirt, mud, animal faeces, and germs are all likely culprits, and all of these can be transferred onto your bedsheets. Even if you can't see the mud on your shoes, that doesn't mean they're clean.

If you're someone who likes to sleep with your shoes on, consider investing in a shoe rack or doormat to make it easier to take your shoes off and put them away when you get home. Not only will this help keep your bedsheets stain-free, but it will also reduce the risk of harmful bacteria being transferred from your shoes to your bed.

Frequently asked questions