Ankle Support for Sleeping: Recovery While You Sleep

Ankle support for sleeping can be a game-changer for some and a complete nightmare for others. If you're dealing with a twisted ankle or chronic ankle pain, you may have wondered about sleeping with ankle support. We'll talk about the pros and cons as well as share some tips and ideas.

Why Consider Ankle Support for Sleeping

Maybe you’ve twisted your ankle playing basketball with your buddies, or perhaps you’re dealing with the aches of arthritis. It might even be the wear and tear of standing all day at work. Ankle support, like braces, sleeves, or wraps, can give your ankle joint extra support. This might be helpful while you sleep. There are some good reasons to wear ankle support for sleeping as well as some downsides that you should consider.

Perks of Sleeping with Ankle Support

Ankle support for sleeping can help to stabilize your joint, keep it from moving, and prevent further damage. The gentle compression from the support can help reduce swelling if you have a sprain. It also minimizes pain. By keeping everything in place, you let the ligaments and tendons repair themselves without accidentally undoing the progress.

It can also prevent being woken up during the night from a sharp pain by keeping everything steady. You’ll benefit by having deeper and more restorativesleep. This is especially important if you’re an athlete recovering from a tough game. It is also crucial if you deal with plantar fasciitis or chronic ankle stability.

Drawbacks That Might Keep You Up

Ankle support for sleeping isn’t always a pleasant experience. You may find that you toss and turn more because of the bulkiness of some braces. There is the possibility of irritation, sweating, and itching that can keep you awake all night. If the brace is too tight, you might cut off circulation and end up with that pins and needles sensation. You might even form a dependency on the brace and weaken the muscles if overused.

Should You Try Ankle Support for Sleeping

If you’re recovering from an injury, it’s probably a good idea to use an ankle support for sleeping. If your doctor has recommended the support, then it’s definitely advisable. Having chronic conditions is also a good reason to sleep with ankle support. However, if the support feels suffocating, or makes the pain worse, you should probably leave the brace off while sleeping. Start with a soft sleeve and see how it feels for a few nights. Be sure to adjust the support if needed. Upgrade to more rigid support until you find what feels best. It should also work the best for you.

Alternatives to Ankle Support

Ankle support for sleeping might not be the right fit for you. Here are a few ideas to try. Some have found that using a pillow to elevate the foot helps to ease swelling without the constriction. Sleeping on your side can reduce pressure points on the joints. Gentle stretches like ankle circles and calf stretches performed right before bed can loosen things up.

Ice and heat therapy can work wonders for soothing aches. You can also try compression socks, which provide mild support and none of the bulk from a brace. A firmer mattress can help keep your body aligned better. An orthopedic pillow can take the stress off your ankles.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

It’s always best to chat with a doctor or physical therapist to get advice specific for your needs. For some, the pain relief, faster healing and better sleep are worth the downsides. For others, the bulk and skin irritation might make skipping it more appealing. Just having to take the brace on and off could also be a deterrent. Try a soft sleeve for a few nights and see how your ankle feels. Here is an ankle stabilizer brace that is light weight, adjustable and perfect to wear while sleeping.