In 2026, medical consensus generally suggests that you can wear compression socks for the entirety of your waking hours, typically 16 hours a day. However, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for conditions like DVT or severe lymphedema, you should remove them before sleeping. While lying flat, your heart doesn't have to work as hard against gravity to return blood from your legs, and wearing them at night can occasionally impede arterial blood flow. For long-haul travelers, it is perfectly safe to wear them for a full 24-hour travel "day." A supportive peer warning: always ensure they aren't "bunching" or folding over at the top, as this creates a tourniquet effect that can actually restrict circulation rather than aiding it. If you notice tingling, numbness, or skin discoloration, you have exceeded your personal "maximum" and should remove them immediately.