# A Rather Strange Poll About Sleeping and Feet **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 17, 2003, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070 "2003-07-17T04:55:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/21 "2003-07-17T13:03:00Z")
I need a sheet draped across my middle section for guaranteed sleeping. And my feet are almost always uncovered. For the record, I am a woman with pretty much no fat on my hands or my feet. ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/22 "2003-07-17T13:08:05Z")
semi-related - if I’m in a chair, it’s more likely that I’ll fall asleep with my shoes on than off. Bed? Doesn’t matter. covered, uncovered - either works for me. ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/23 "2003-07-17T13:21:39Z")
I sleep with my feet uncovered, and since I have trouble getting to sleep if if is hot or stuffy I also tend to sleep completely uncovered in the summer time (even with the AC on). To quote my 4 year old daughter, who came in the bedroom to wake me up one morning, “Daddy, I saw your butt. Where are your panties?” ---
**Author:** ![Woeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@Woeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Woeg)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/24 "2003-07-17T13:29:48Z")
I can’t sleep unless I have one foot covered, and the other bare. It’s a temperature control thing…if both are covered, it’s too hot, if both uncovered, too cold, but one in and one out? Zzzzzzzzz… ---
**Author:** ![Morelin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Morelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morelin)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/25 "2003-07-17T14:25:30Z")
My feet are perpetually cold, and I at least need to fall asleep with cover/s on, no matter how hot it is. Occasioannlyl I kick them off, but usually I awake still all bundled up. Even in the summertime. ---
**Author:** ![Isabelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b5a626/32.png) [@Isabelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isabelle)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/26 "2003-07-17T14:46:52Z")
No matter how hot or how cold I need to sleep with my quilt (no other will do) and I keep one leg out from under the covers and the other one tucked in. If I don’t start off like this I won’t sleep the night ---
**Author:** ![krisolov](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/krisolov/32/3724_2.png) [@krisolov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/krisolov)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/27 "2003-07-17T15:03:58Z")
I MUST have my feet uncovered in bed. Kicking out the sheets after Mrs Krisolov has just freshly made the bed is without a doubt the most important sleeptime ritual I have. Winter, summer, whenever. Doesn’t matter. I don’t need a sheet or blanket, esp in the summertime, but if I’m under blankets or sheets, the feet are OUT. ---
**Author:** ![Davebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@Davebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Davebear)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/28 "2003-07-17T15:43:25Z")
I only cover up when too chilly. I used to do the one foot in, one foot out thing, but haven’t recently, for some reason. This discussion makes me wonder if the foot-coverers ever wear sandals. ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/29 "2003-07-17T15:49:24Z")
I prefer to have my feet out of the covers, unless it’s pretty cold. I usually stick them out of the side of the bed, while mr. genie grumbles about my freakishness. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/30 "2003-07-17T15:56:37Z")
I can’t sleep without being covered at least to the waist. I’ve tried many times, it just doesn’t work. I concluded it’s because I don’t feel comfortable without the pressure that blankets provide. I’ve found the perfect sheet for the summer- not too hot, but made of heavy enough cloth that I can ditch the light blanket when it’s really hot. But this is New Hampshire, it’s rarely that hot 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lachesis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@lachesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lachesis)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/31 "2003-07-17T16:25:50Z")
another vote for Must Sleep with _Some_ Sort of Covers category. it just doesn’t feel **right** if i don’t have at least a sheet over my torso when i go to sleep. and yes, bed covers are always a guarantee against monster attacks. but other than that, i’m all across the board here. years ago, when my mom was dragging me along during her Endurance Riding phase, we were sleeping in a borrowed camper. one of her friends had come along to act as Pit Crew. as we were all bedding down, she piped up with “How can you all _sleep_ with your feet covered up?” when we queried, she told us how she sticks her feet out from under the covers, sort of as a thermometer control. too hot? out they go. too cool now? bring them in. well, i tried it, and darned if it didn’t seem to work. so now, when it’s warm weather, i’ll have at least one foot sticking out of the covers to feel more comfortable. (i sleep best when the room is cool. having a ceiling fan in the bedroom is a MASSIVE help during the summer.) what **Orange Skinner** mentioned about body temperature fluctuations certainly rings true for me. in winter i’m a real freezy-cat when i climb into bed. hubby has occasionally called me “Dead Thing” because my hands/feet are at sub-human body temperature levels. but as i gradually relax and get sleepy, the ol’ body thermostat kicks into high, and i then begin putting out enough heat to keep things extra toasty. of course, making matters even more complex, i have Very Bad Knees. they can be quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and tend to ache when they (or temperatures) are cold. so they need to be covered up most of the time too. and you guys thought your habits were complicated. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/32 "2003-07-17T17:03:53Z")
I cannot fall to sleep if my feet are covered. They must be uncovered at all times. Makes using a sleeping bag rather annoying. ---
**Author:** ![raz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@raz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raz)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/33 "2003-07-17T17:47:25Z")
I can’t fall asleep with my feet covered either - it could be freezing cold in my room but if I keep my feet under the covers they become unbearably hot and I have to stick them out. It’s not just when I’m sleeping either - I wear flip-flops whenever possible because my feet get too hot in shoes. ---
**Author:** ![ThatDuckIsEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@ThatDuckIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThatDuckIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/34 "2003-07-17T18:32:25Z")
I hate wearing socks and shoes. But when trying to fall asleep, no matter the weather, my feet do need to be covered. Definitely. That monster under the bed would be too tempted otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![slortar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@slortar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slortar)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/35 "2003-07-17T19:00:58Z")
Either way. In hot weather, I tend to sleep without sheets. In cold, with lots of them. Sometimes I have sheets on in hot weather, sometimes I sleep in cold weather without them (more rare than the opposite, though, for obvious reasons). I’m flexible like that. ---
**Author:** ![mrunlucky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7993a0/32.png) [@mrunlucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrunlucky)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/36 "2003-07-17T19:09:15Z")
I am a guy who cannot fall asleep without some sort of cover, particularly over my feet, no matter how warm I am. I also am retarded in that I often have to have socks on when I sleep as well. Now this gets tricky if there is another person in bed. In this case I can sleep without socks on but usually I want to intertwine my feet to keep them warm. I don’t understand this but I’ve been this way since I was a kid. ---
**Author:** ![FisherQueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/58f4c7/32.png) [@FisherQueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FisherQueen)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/37 "2003-07-17T19:13:50Z")
Yes. Even in warm weather, the feet must be covered with a sheet. I have even been known to sleep with ONLY my feet covered. I cannot explain this. ---
**Author:** ![big\_alex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e56c9b/32.png) [@big\_alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/big_alex)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/38 "2003-07-17T19:20:09Z")
I can’t have any part of me uncovered when I’m trying to get to sleep. I have to have the blankets up around my ears. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/39 "2003-07-17T19:26:57Z")
Hmmm, some interesting responses. We were raised with the rule that clothing: pj’s, undies, especially socks, were a big no-no and that it was very unhealthy to keep your body covered with anything but bedding and a loose pair of shorts while sleeping. My Mother always said it was very unhealthy no sleep in clothes and that the body needed to breathe at night. It’s probably just an Old Wive’s Tale - I can’t find a study to cite one way or the other. I still follow the no sleepwear rule and it’s what I’m used to. I may have gone on to perpetuate Mom’s incorrect advice to the next generation - because neither of my kids ever sleep in socks or undies…even in the middle of winter. ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2003, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070/40 "2003-07-17T21:12:22Z")
Interesting reading this thread. My initial response stands - my feet and the rest of me MUST be covered but I can’t stand wearing socks to bed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rather-strange-poll-about-sleeping-and-feet/189070.md?page=3)