You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.

For most healthy individuals, it is perfectly fine and often beneficial to wear compression socks throughout the day, especially if you spend long periods standing or sitting. Compression socks work by applying gentle, graduated pressure to your legs, which aids blood flow back to the heart and prevents the pooling of fluid that causes swelling and "heavy" legs. In 2026, medical professionals typically advise putting them on first thing in the morning before swelling begins and taking them off before you go to bed. Wearing them while sleeping is generally unnecessary because gravity no longer pulls blood down to your ankles when you are horizontal, and in some cases, it can even be counterproductive by restricting circulation. If you are using high-grade medical compression (above 20-30 mmHg) for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or severe varicose veins, you should strictly follow your doctor’s specific prescription. For standard travel or athletic use, ensure the socks are the correct size to avoid "pinching" behind the knee, which can actually restrict blood flow rather than help it.