Cannot sleep if I dont rub my feet on rough textured fabric

by ezel
(sydney )

Hi, i just want to share if anyone is experiencing the same. Since i was a kid i cannot sleep if i dont rub my feet on a rough texture fabric which i have my favorite cushion that i always have it with me wherever i go.

You know the feeling after shower dry and warm or hot but no sweat. It is very uncomfortable and the only thing that can relaxed me and give me relief is when i rub my feet to my cushion then my feet will sweat; not really sweat it just feel moist, not dry.

Comments for Cannot sleep if I dont rub my feet on rough textured fabric

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 07, 2024
Rating

We are a community NEW
by: Anonymous

Same here! When 'kulambo' was a thing I never tuck it under the bed. I always have it curled on my legs. Gives me a sense of calmness and joy. I still have my 'kulambo' cut and customized only for me. Though I manage to sleep without it. and I only do it during bed time or as long as I'm in bed. I know some few people who do this. 5 of my cousins too. so i guess it genetic? haha.

Oct 18, 2024
Rating

I also have the same condition
by: Hasan

I have the following traits which matches your description.

1. When I go to sleep ot relax, I always have to rub my feet against a rough cushion, it makes the palms of my hands and feets moist and also makes happy for some reason.

2. I can't sleep or relax on smooth bedsheets. The smoothness of any bed sheets just somewhat irks me out. But if the texture of the bedsheet is rough then i like it.

3. Whenever i rub my feet against a rough surface I feel a happy sensation and also an boost in my confidence.

Oct 05, 2024
Rating

My big toe bleeds NEW
by: Anonymous

I lay down on the bed and start rubbing my big toe against the sheet, which must be rough. I rub my big toe repeatedly, sometimes I get excited and my big toe bleeds. Does this happen to anyone else? I think I'm the only one.

Oct 05, 2024
Rating

Me too! NEW
by: Jake

I am asian too, Singaporean. I cannot sleep on new bed sheets, my feet and hands will feel extremely dry and I need to keep rubbing my feet into the sheet to get this sweaty or most feet feeling to fall asleep.

I don't know about mosquito net or lotion, I usually have to just bear with a few sleepless nights before my feet gets accustomed to the new bedsheets. Also, only my hands and feet only approve certain materials, so I hate going for vacation and sleeping on hotels.

Oct 04, 2024
Rating

Cannot sleep if I don't rub my feet on rough textured fabric
by: Anonymous

I can sleep better if I rub my feet and hands on rough textures like polyester, certain nylon, etc. Never used mosquito nets like many of the people below, but I can definitely see why it works. I even bought this couch bed from Ikea below and I can sleep better versus a regular bed. LOL I hope you can relate.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/friheten-sleeper-sectional-3-seat-w-storage-skiftebo-blue-s69297560/#content

Sep 25, 2024
Rating

Woah NEW
by: Anonymous

I thought i was the only one!!!? I always remove the bed sheet of the bed because i like the texture of the original cover of the bed. It all began when i was 4 or 5, we had a carpet and the carpet had a rough texture and it made me happy when i let my feet glide on it. Before it was only my feet that i rub on the textured cloth but now i do it with my hands. When i have shoes on i use my hands to rub my pants because i love the texture and they said i look weird doing it but it helps me cool down and makes me relaxed. Im happy to know that im not the only one

Jul 02, 2024
Rating

My grandmother
by: Anonymous

My grandmother was from philippines and always I like to rub my foot against the sheets until my big toe bleeds

Jun 30, 2024
Rating

Can somebody explain this? NEW
by: Anonymous

I like rubbing my feet or hands to soft?rought - rough surface/texture, it makes me feel energized and feel good.

I usually rub my hand to my hair or my jean, and my feet to bedsheet or carpet repetitively.

Is it a coping mechanism? Do I lack feel good hormone in my brain?

I also notice some south east asian having this.(I'm filipino) Is this a ethnicity thing?

Please explain...

Jun 07, 2024
Rating

Heavy pillow for comfort NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a hard and heavy pillow for my feet. And everytime I sleep, I insert either one of the feet between the pillow and bed. So it comforts me with its weight and rough texture. Also I cannot sleep without my blanket no matter how hot it is. I am an Indian btw. Seeing a lot of people having the same disorder as me makes me feel am not alone ( as no one in my close circle would do this ).

Mar 26, 2024
Rating

THIS IS INSANE NEW
by: Anonymous

I CANNOT BELIEVE OTHER PEOPLE FEEL THIS WAY!! I've tried to explain to so many people that I absolutely CANNOT sleep or be comfortable if I don't have a rough textured pillow to make me sweat. I feel so happy and understood knowing other people can agree. I am also of South East Asian descent, so I really wonder what the reasoning is for that (if someone already explained, I'm sorry I just got too excited that I HAVE REALLY FOUND MY PEOPLE). I am overjoyed.

Mar 03, 2024
Rating

rub nails on rough surface NEW
by: itachi uchiha

i also feel to rub but mine is on extreme i feel to much annoyed and it forces me drop out the pen while wrting

Jan 31, 2024
Rating

Omg me too. NEW
by: Anonymous

It's mind blowing to finally discover that I am not the only one who feel the same way. I read one comment that said seems like most ppl who experience this comes from South East Asia esp those who have sweaty palm problem, and I can confirm I fall into this category too.

I prefer to have my bed uncovered and feel the rough surface on my feet, and just like the other's story, that would make my mom really annoyed hahaha.

Dec 25, 2023
Rating

Hello! NEW
by: Anonymous

If you live near Ikea. Go look for this pillow cover. It's the perfect rough surface for your feet.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/gurli-cushion-cover-black-80281138/#content

Dec 09, 2023
Rating

I FOUND MY PEOPLE NEW
by: Anonymous

Ahhhhh!!! I thought I was being silly and weird for rubbing my feet on the bed but I am GLAD to know I'm not the only one!

PS. Writing this as I'm rubbing my feet on the bed. 🥹

Nov 09, 2023
Rating

And now i know it's sensory processing disorder
by: Anonymous

When I was a kid we used mosquito net or kulambo here in the philippines to cover ourselves from mosquito but then, since then I used to love rubbing my feet on this texture. Now that I have my own family, this habit of mine did not vanish. I even have kulambo (rolled mini version) in every part of our house. In the kitchen, living room and bed room. I even have a travelling version of it.

Oct 25, 2023
Rating

Found my people! NEW
by: Anonymous

OMG! I thought I'm weird! I can't sleep without rubbing my feet on the bedsheet. I have this preferred foam that has the most perfect fabric that I love rubbing my feet on. Still trying to look for the exact same fabric so I can customize it.

Aug 28, 2023
Rating

Tanday NEW
by: Mar

I can’t sleep without my "tanday" (small roughly textured pillow). I don’t know when it started, but since I was young, I have been rubbing my feet against my tanday. It was a big pillow before it was changed to a small one, fit for my use. I use it most of the time when at home that’s why I always keep my feet clean. I use it throughout the day, but more importantly at night time. I once cried my eyes out when I was little because my mom didn’t bring my tanday during our overnight vacation. Though I can use some other textured things as substitute, nothing can replace my tanday. Even today, I am away from home for college, I brought with me my tanday because it is my source of warmth, comfort, and a form of stress reliever. I’ll probably be with my tanday even when I get old. ☺️

Jul 20, 2023
Rating

LETS CREATE A GROUP NEW
by: Anonymous

Omg! I found my people. 🤣🥹 People around me gets annoyed whenever I remove my bedsheet just to feel the original cover of the foam if you know what I mean. 😅 I love the texture of it. Hoping I can find a bedsheet that has the same texture that satisfies me. Back when I was a kid, I grew up in our province and we always use kulambo and thats when it all started! Haha I always have boxes(karton) in our store because it also satisfies me. I couldnt live now without rubbing my feet on those karton. 🥲 Nway, do you guys have a group? Hoping I could join haha

Jul 15, 2023
Rating

Good to know im not the only one NEW
by: Anonymous

I always remove the cover of the bed just to rub my feet on that rough cushion. It’s so satisfying feeling the heat under and make the feet moist. 4 out of six children do this and our parents would always be annoyed when we start removing the covers of the bed 🤣🤣🤣

Jul 13, 2023
Rating

Please add my socials NEW
by: Robert Nanhee

I’d love to make a little chat for anyone with this condition just search my name on Instagram

Jul 13, 2023
Rating

WAIT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE?!
by: Anonymous

OH MY GOODNESS wait sameee....
It's been forever since i can remember. It's the same material, where when you scratch it it's the worst possible sound. But it's so satisfying to rub my feet on it.

So I walk around my house and only sit on a pillow that has this texture.

Seeing the comments, it seems like a trend that people who have this condition are usually south east asian and have sweaty hands/feet. I fall exactly under that category!

Hahah my family thinks it's so weird and gross...
good to finally find other people who feel the same way hahah Im not the only one!

Jul 07, 2023
Rating

Foot feeling
by: Anonymous

Hi
I have the same thing, I hate sleeping in regular sheets or anything smooth and my feet feel comfortable when I rub it against rough blankets for some reason, almost like a carpet feeling, if I don’t have my blanket I’ll wear shoes to sleep lol

Jun 24, 2023
Rating

Is this a disorder? NEW
by: Anonymous

Same here. I have this certain foam with cover in between rough and smooth and whenever i sleep in others house, I cannot sleep without ty feet feeling that texture! Is this a disorder? If it is, what do they call this.

Jun 15, 2023
Rating

Omg
by: Anonymous

My grandmother was philipino and i have this condition omgg

Jun 15, 2023
Rating

nice
by: Anonymous

I’ve been looking for the name of this condition in literature and medical sites. This is the only thing I’ve found on the internet and I noticed that a lot of Filipinos have it as well? That’s super interesting.

May 22, 2023
Rating

Same here
by: Anonymous

I thought I was the only one with this problem. I've had this habit ever since I was little as 6 years old, my parents would always get annoyed whenever i put pillows on my feet. And it has to be a specific type of fabric between smooth and rough, but I've gotten the feet rubbing under control but today I still find myself not being able to be comfortable without rubbing my feet on a smooth/rough surface.

May 21, 2023
Rating

Tetron Fabric
by: Anonymous

So I did some research. Can anyone please confirm if they ever find their way in a fabric store? My grandma made me a comforter but I use it as a sheet so I can lay on it instead. It has a rough texture. It FEELS NICE AND PERFECT FOR MY FEET. I looked it up. So far I’ve come across tetron fabric. I, too, will confirm it soon. I think this will be perfect for some people.

May 21, 2023
Rating

Make a group
by: Anonymous

Ya’ll let’s make a group for us. I revisited this site because we went on a vacation and I am sooo uncomfortable right now because my usual solution (petroleum jelly/lotion) does not work and only now did I notice that the wall beside my bed is rough and I have to rub my feet on it. I’ve never felt so much comfortable 😭 I’ve been going to the bathroom because I have to wet my hands and feet but the comfort doesn’t stay long. Reading the comments made me understand this more. Like how I never noticed that I want my palms together when I feel a bit too dry/warm on both my hands and feet. I love that this forum made me feel valid and not feel so weird. Has anyone found out the science/reason to this?

May 11, 2023
Rating

Hi I’m with y’all lol
by: NEWMULA504

On my side in my bed something wrapped around my left leg a towel, the bed sheet but bawled to make texture!! I do this for hours it’s such a good sensation. I was worried at first because I have changed the way the top of my right foot looks from doing this. It is very very dark compared to the rest of my foot and almost leather like! I have to work to get the sensation I need.

Thanks for sharing everyone

May 06, 2023
Rating

Baby powder too
by: Anonymous

This is same as me, but there’s one particular kind of each textures, of rough and smooth fabric that I like. I don’t know what are they called. But for sure once my feet tried to rub on those it sure know the right ones. Additional to this I also have. Habit to put a johnson baby powder or any powder. Then rub my feet on each other. I’ve been doing since I was a child too. I’ m now 26 yrs old. I got here because I run out of powderand cannot find a good texture around me to rub my feet. And I kinda panicked or discomfort that I couldn’t sleep. I wanted to know if this sensory thingy I got has got to have a psychological problem with me. One of my sibling has a habit to rub their feet in the mosquito net. But for me it wasn’t giving me that much of the sensory feeling that i wanted. I also have sweaty hand and foot. Maybe its also connected why all these is happening.

May 01, 2023
Rating

Help look for the best product
by: Anonymous

Yes, i feel the same for as long as i can remember. Hmm can you help me where can i find the or buy the best fabric. Thanks

Feb 20, 2023
Rating

Same!
by: Anonymous

You are not the only. Been like this since I was a kid and now in my 30s still doing it. :)

Aug 31, 2022
Rating

Blowing on hands trick
by: Anonymous

I'm so glad I found this forum, I knew I wSnt the only one like literally impossible to be the only one.

Sometimes rubbing the feet on the sheets does not do it for me. It will get to the point that i'm panting and tired with a warm sheet but still not sweaty. So I tend to put my hands together and blow air in between like how you would in the winter. Afterwards, rub them together. Once my hands gets moist, the soles of my feet follow.

I also notice my resting hand position is having my thumb inside my hand. Just thought maybe it has something to do with this condition--the comfort of having something to constantly hold.

May 27, 2022
Rating

what fabric works for you?
by: fred

I particularly like carpet like fabrics or fabrics like that of the sofa or bed.

May 10, 2022
Rating

Count me in
by: Anonymous

Been doing since i could remember, im 27 now. I think one of its cause is excess body heat needing escape. When relaxed we feel our body more. When dry flaky palms and soles were felt, sweat glands are closed on these areas. That uneasiness feeling during fever is somewhat comparable when theres an urge to feel some rough surfaces on the skin (preferably the palms or soles, but our hands are mostly busy hence it leaves the feet to the task). So when a palm or sole feel something rough, maybe touch receptors there affect the sweat glands to open up to start cooling via evaporation (i sometimes see steam on my palms).

In short, if the body felt hotter then the brain commands the areas with the most sweat glands(palms and soles) to start cooling.

Mosquito nets could be the best option(or any nets with fine rough surface), this is because air can easily pass through the net for faster evaporation of sweat so as not to turn our palms or feet into a fountain.

Um this is just my nonprofessional analysis.

May 03, 2022
Rating

Turned on
by: Anonymous

I lie on my side and begin to move my leg while rubbing my foot against a rough texture.

May 02, 2022
Rating

Same problem!
by: Anonymous

I finally found this thread! I also grew up in the Philippines and used mosquito net. But rather than rough surfaces I need smooth. My feet better be rubbing a smooth blanket or I'm unable to sleep. I haven't tried removing this habit since it's not affecting my life badly unless it is time to sleep. I thought it might have just been OCD or autism but if anyone knows please let us know! I'm just glad I'm not the only one with this problem!

Mar 28, 2022
Rating

Same but do you also have/ experience this?
by: Anonymous

I have the same symptoms/trait/Habits with the comments.

My earliest memory of this was when I was really young instead of using my own blanket i would use a jacket as my blanket because of its texture and I would throw a tantrum when it's wash day for it. When we moved to grandma's house, I didn't know where it went but I found a piece of cloth from my grandma's sewing kit and used that for a while whenever I misplaced it i would rub my feet on the mattress cover or the jealousies window. My mom told me to stop thinking it was the cause of my skin peeling (I still don't know why my hands and feet kept peeling at that time thick like you can see my fingerprints on the piece of skin removed)

I always rub vaseline or lotion on my feet. When I notice I have callouses I would file it immediately so I can feel the textures better. I have callouses mainly because i love walking around barefoot

Nov 08, 2021
Rating

I dunno i just love it wherever I go
by: Anonymous

I love rubbing my moist foot on a very similar texture as my bed. And when I'm at school, I feel so uncomfortable when I have nothing to rub my foot with.

Nov 03, 2021
Rating

I Guess there isnt a name given to this..
by: Anonymous

Let's just make one then. I therefore would like to term it as Paul Axestos's Syndrome(:means rough).

Oct 31, 2021
Rating

I wish there's a name to this
by: Gen

I am soo happy to know there are a lot others who feel and exp the same. I've been also like this as far as i could remember. I like to rub my feet on rough surfaces like the cover of a foam mattress.

I remember when I was a child that I had a lunchbox that has the same texture and i like putting my feet on it while i play but my mother hates it haha. I'm the only one in the family who got this and it annoys them. My feet and hands sweat a lot too! I didnt realized that until now (by reading your comments) that these things are related.

I also love getting my feet and hands wet with water. I'm so happy to know all of your stories hihi I dont know what's this condition called, i always thought if there's a name for it.

God bless to everyone!

Oct 20, 2021
Rating

Finally!
by: Anonymous

So glad that I'm not the only one! T T ever since I was a kid, I would constantly rub my feet on anything that has the same texture as bed sheets.My mom had to make me sleep in a separate bed as I would always rub my feet on her night gowns lol! But I noticed that after running my feet and it being moist, my hands would be the same too, hence why I have sweaty hands now. wonder why this happens?

Aug 23, 2021
Rating

Gone through a lot of links but this is OG
by: Anonymous

Hi I always tried to figure out why I have this habit. I need , NEED texture under my feet. Even if it is sitting to work at my desk. I need my feet to not have that dry, flaky sensation. I am so happy I am not the only one! I found this website after so many combinations and permutations on Google search. And the comments make me feel at home. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.

My mother has contributed this to dry skin, diabetes. While my psychologist has contributed this to normal comfort seeking mechanisms, due to anxiety. She didn’t name it or say anything else apart from those words. Comfort seeking mechanisms.

So the solution she gave me was to buy a fidget cube and use it every time I feel the urge as one says. It sounds really stupid. I know. But, really it’s so amazing to find more people like me. I hope to understand what this is much better through this page.

Aug 05, 2021
Rating

Me too
by: Anonymous

I have the same habits also I have another habits similar i have to put a rough fabric between my nail i know it’s weird but i always do that and my teacher ask me why i do that but i don’t know what to answer

Aug 03, 2021
Rating

Thank God, I am not alone
by: Anonymous

Since I was a child I remember having this issue where I had to rub my feet against a mosquito net in order to fall asleep. When I am sitting or walking or doing some activity I don't seem to have this problem. However whenever I am tried to sleep or lie down or do some relaxing thing, my feet tend to get warm and dry. And it's very uncomfortable.

If I don't wet my feet or rub it against any rough surface like a cushion or bedsheet, my feet tend to swell a little and I can't focus on anything else, it gets so uncomfortable. And not the entire part of the feet. It's more near the toes.

My mom used to scold me always, because running my feet against the mosquito net would cause it to eventually tear and make holes.

Strangely this does not happen in winters when I am wrapped in a blanket.

Sometimes the condition gets so worse, where I don't get a rough object or water nearby, I had to spit to get some relief.

But the problem started when I was very young, I have had this since I remember having senses.
Also yes my hands sweat a lot. I mean a lot. I constantly mis type when using my phone due to this.

From what it seems like these two issues are correlated.

Can some doctor or someone look into this issue?

Jul 04, 2021
Rating

Interesting
by: Anonymous

This is really intriguing. I really wonder if this is caused by genes, a specific experience as a child or developed as you grow up.

I mean, as for me, as far as I can remember, even if I didn't start using mosquito nets as a child as I do now, I was sleeping in a hammock or a foldable bed (that thing used to lie down at the beach) which has rough texture as young as I can remember. So I cannot exactly pinpoint when did I start having this 'condition'. So far, the only effect it has on me is that if I don't rub my feet on a rough surface, I can't relax nor fall asleep. If I use lotion or petroleum jelly on my feet, I can fall asleep albeit for a short time then I wake up, feel that my feet is not moist anymore then reapply then try to fall asleep again. This happens a lot of times so if I forget my mosquito net and there is no substitute, I can't have a good sleep nor relax.

Surprisingly, if I am just sitting without my feet touching anything (hanging in the air, say I was lying down on a sofa and my feet are just in the air) or if my feet are wearing something I consider normal (socks, shoes, slippers), I can relax and I don't find it uncomfortable (like when walking outside, eating at restaurants, studying at school, etc). However, if I'm at the bed (or with the mindset to relax like reading a book while sitting) and my feet are bare and are touching the bed sheet or the floor which is smooth, I start to feel uncomfortable and seek for a rough surface. Another thing is when I have my mosquito net blanket (a blanket sewn using the fabric of a mosquito net, it's what I use instead of a normal blanket), even if sometimes my feet don't touch it, as long as I can feel it somewhere, at my arms, legs, as long as I feel its presence, I don't necessarily feel uncomfortable. So is this psychological?

Lastly, I just read someone's comment saying that he/she/they have excessive sweating in their hands and feet. I seem to have this symptom too. I actually didn't notice nor bother with it. I just think that I sweat too easily or something, just not really a 'condition' but seeing someone mention it, is it related to my needing to feel a rough surface?

Does it really need to be the feet or hands? Or as long as we could feel it, we're relaxed and calm? Do we just use our feet and hands because they are what we use normally to feel something?

I'm so curious right now. If this is psychological, I wonder if it means something. I can't say for sure for others but I can share that my family is broken and I have no siblings. Does that contribute to me having this condition? Is it related to feeling the presence of someone/something hugging/touching me? Is it a type of coping mechanism? A not so obvious result of a trauma? I can't say because I am not an expert.

So far, it didn't cause me any harm so I'm not too worried about this condition. I just want to know about this because I consider it my trait and a part of me. Don't be afraid thinking it's not normal. Nobody minds. When my class decided to have a slumber party and a watch and chill party, I just went and brought my mosquito blanket net and pillows there and enjoyed the party. Aside from being curious and asking me questions, they didn't tease or bully me. So don't be overly conscious. If you feel that it's normal and act like it's normal, they'll just ignore it and treat it as a normal thing too. In any case, we got your back here in this forum ^-^

To anyone who reads this, please take this as my ramblings. You can also share your experience. Maybe, we'll see a pattern with all our stories. Also, thank God for anonymous comments XD Don't take this comment too seriously that you get anxious about it. Again, there is no harm in is having this. In fact, I fall asleep fast and get a really good quality sleep as long as I have my mosquito net blanket. I hope we get our answers one day. To my fellow RSLs (Rough Surface Lover XD It randomly pop out of my mind), have great lives ahead of you and love yourself, always <3

Jun 17, 2021
Rating

i thought i was the only one..
by: Anonymous

i thought i was the only one, i really thought this was normal were the same i cant sleep without any rough textured fabric, both my hands and feet, i want it to feel warm too but not sweaty, and when im at school i always rub my hands on my school uniform skirt bc the usual fabric they use in uniforms are rough textured, so i cant really stop, people keep telling me im so weird, and even in sleeping, i always take off the bed sheet because the bed sheets are usually uses smooth fabrics and i hate it so i rub my feet on the mattress bc its rough textured.

May 08, 2021
Rating

Is this a disorder or something, there hardly any information on this.
by: Anonymous

I just started researching about this today and I came across this forms. I’m very happy to hear that there are other people like me. :)))

I always rubbing my legs on rough textures fabric when I go to sleep, it help me to feel relax and calm. I don’t know how to describe the feeling, you just have this feeling of relief. I love touching and rubbing my hands and legs on rough textures fabric when I’m not sleeping too.

I love rubbing my legs on rough textures but only on fabric like bed sheet, couch, chair, pillow, car seats, blanket and carpet.

I also have excessive sweating on my hands and feet, that I can’t control. (Hyperhidrosis Disorder)

I have Autism and I know people with Autism does stimming to help them feel relax and help with their anxiety. There is all form of stimming in Autism. Could rubbing my legs and hands on rough textures be a form of stimming?

Sensory sensitivities on texture or something?

I did some research and it says that some people with Autism like to stroke items with particular textures.

Does anyone else here have Autism like me too?

Apr 08, 2021
Rating

You described it perfectly!
by: Anonymous

Yes!!! You described it perfectly!

I'm literally searching if this is a type of condition. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.

Apr 05, 2021
Rating

Me too!!
by: Anonymous

Ye me too, i feel uncomfortable when i dont rub my feet to rough fabric for like 1 hour, i want to stretch my body and still dont feel comfortable unless i rub my feet on rough fabric

Dec 20, 2020
Rating

We're not alone here!
by: Anonymous

It's Nice to see some people have the same trait as me, as you can tell I also have this kind of habit or whatever you call it,when im a kid I used my feet rubbing in the curtains and I feel relaxed after rubbing it few times I start feeling sleepy,and my place is have many mosquito and my father buy us a mosquito-net when I rub my feet in the mosquito-net it's feel relaxed but much better now I'm already teenager I'm still doing it, I can't sleep without it but you know what the BDO Tagline "We Find Ways"
So find a way to sleep without it.

PS:I don't know if my English bad I hope you can understand it.

Dec 03, 2020
Rating

Soooo relatable
by: Bruhmoment

When i was a kid, I thought i was weird then i found out it was pretty common here in Philippines, there was a product trend a few months ago, "kulambong medyas" or "mosquito net socks". The demand was pretty high and got featured on a certain show on national television.

Nov 22, 2020
Rating

I do it to
by: Anonymous

omg i thought i was the only one who does it, mosf of my relative on my mother side does it too, i wonder if there is an specific name of habit for it?

Nov 08, 2020
Rating

one of us
by: Anonymous

Are all Asians here? Is this a form of de-sentisation common in hands especially in feet, that somehow acts as a security blanket, protection and pacifier. How many amongst in the population are actually into this?

Oct 14, 2020
Rating

You develop this at a young age
by: Anonymous

I think this is a trait you get at a young age. My earliest memories when I was a kid was sleeping inside a mosquito net and it's a habit I brought with me as I grew up. Now not only do I find comfort from mosquito nets but also rough textured bedsheets, pillows, mattresses, fabrics and carpets. I also feel the same when I rub my palms to these kinds of textures.

Now I'm 19 and it's a trait I'm not thinking too much of but I pretty much still do it everyday. I guess for me it's the warmth that the friction from rubbing it that puts me in a warm, safe and comfortable state

Jan 08, 2020
Rating

Can definitely relate
by: Cmannino

My 3 year old daughter is an extreme sensory seeker. She has had some interesting foot quirks since birth. She used to test the temperature of her food with her feet till she was a little past 2(not very socially acceptable acceptable but I'm way past caring about what people who just don't know about SPD think).

At night during the small snippets of time she actually sleeps she has to rub and push her feet against something(usually me or her dad). I'm actually considering different ways like your cushion to help her soothe because we are about to attempt moving her into her own room because she is extremely strong even though she is tiny and getting kicked in the stomach and head as her feet seek out a place to rub has gone from mildly jarring to very painful and almost broken noses.

Hopefully we can find a solution like yours to help her reign it in. I think it's great that you found a way to get the sensory input you need to regulate your system so you can sleep.

Jan 07, 2020
Rating

It's not a condition ! It's actually your security
by: Anonymous

I have exact the same situation! I grow up with mosquito-net so I did the same rubbing my feet. I was 17 when we moved to US...First night was horrible! I can't sleep, so end-up to thr carpeted floor and rubbed my feet then 😪 .

Every night is a struggle for me. One day, saw my aunt doing her laundry and I asked her. Why she needs to put all her bras on this net. Well of course she replied. I asked her if she can buy me one and I'll pay her later. So late afternoon I asked her again if we are going to the store and get one, she gave me a look and thinking...she asked, if I needed right away..and offered her laundry net instead. I told her my situation, my mannerism or we most call it here security net/security blanket or whatever....that's why I can't have hers...So, i got mine!🤗

I always carry my laundry net anywhere I go... going out for movie, travelling. I always have spare to each of my car just incase of emergency😁 Anyways, i have 8 nets 🤣 and I'm 40 now 😉

Nov 05, 2019
Rating

Bah
by: Anonymous

Yeah, i would really like to know the name of this condition. I'm so into this since forever ago. I have a mosquito-net, cut to a meter length, with a few stashed at home. (Bros & Sis, I recommend this, BTW, rather than bringing the whole thing or a full rough blanket). The deed gives me focus while writing or reading, and i am compelled to squat on the chair or sofa--looking like a meditating jedi.

Nov 04, 2019
Rating

im the same
by: le

all started when i was few years old, raining day i was playing around the concrete sewer pipe, sitting there and rub my feet on the concrete and its felt good i even fall asleep lol and its became a habit to this day, unable to sleep w/o my feet felt moist either rub my feet on mesh fabric until its sweaty or put lotion all over, now day i just sleep on a asian hammock its felt
good on feet lmao

Sep 15, 2019
Rating

wtf hahaha
by: Anonymous

I do the same, I would like to find the name of this condition. Whenever I'm lying in my bed, I lie on my side and bend my leg. Then I start rubbing my foot against the sheet or a rough texture. This is affecting me, because I made a callus in my big toe. Whenever I rub my foot, my big toe is the one I rub very hard. It satisfies me and even turns me on and I can reach orgasm.

Jul 11, 2019
Rating

Discovering my bizarre yet satisfying trait
by: tanya

Hi! I discovered having this kind of trait when I was four years old, when I tried rubbing my foot on my dad's newly-cut hair and I realized that it felt really satisfying and relaxing to me haha. Until they decided to buy me a rough textured foam or fabric because I could hardly sleep when rubbing my feet with just ordinary bedsheet or foam anymore.

Whenever I visited my grandparents before in the province, they always had a mosquito-net being that is the most satisfying thing to rub your feet on. And I also found out that most of my Aunts, on my dad's side, do the exact same thing, and that's when I concluded that this could be genetically-transmitted kind of a weird trait hahaha.

I'm already 21 and I'm still doing it, I guess it will never go away, and it's fine, because rubbing your feet with any rough textured fabric is the most satisfying thing in the world.

I could sleep in a cold hard floor anywhere, just provide me the roughest textured fabric or mosquito-net you can find.

May 31, 2019
Rating

Omg
by: Anonymous

I got same every single night I need to rub my feet in a rough texture fabric. If I'm travelling abroad and staying in a hotel I need to get hotel's towel and leave it at the end of bed and start rubbing it till I fall as sleep. I'm thinking of buying a mosquito net to give it ago and see If I will feel more relax lol. It's weird but I'm looking for a very rough fabric to replace my old one. My mum kept old fabric cloth i've used when I was a child. I'm 34 now and still doing it. Sometimes petrolium jelly helps to relax me before sleeping.

Dec 05, 2018
Rating

YES M8
by: Anonymous

BRUH YES. what i do is wrap my foot in my blanket, then i put my wraped foot in between my bed and wall and rub away. I found out that the muscle i like to rub ks called the abductor hallicus (something like that) my mother told me ive been rubbing my foot since i was in her womb, that i would go to the side of her womb and rub. And till this day "currently 20 i rub my foot heavily in my dorm room 😂😂😂 funny crap ya know.

Jun 30, 2018
Rating

Welcome mat
by: Anonymous

I have a welcome mat of plastic grass that is very rough and I scuff my feet on it several times to get kill the sensitivity in my feet. Works great.

Jun 20, 2018
Rating

OMG
by: Anonymous

OMG I am same as you. I am wondering what fabric you use?

Aug 12, 2017
Rating

me too
by: Anonymous

I personally use mosquito nets, it's just the best. If those aren't available the second best would be rough socks or a rough unpainted concrete wall

Mar 12, 2017
Rating

Omg
by: Anonymous

Omg i'm not the only one. I can't sleep without rubbing my feet on my bed. My family hates when i do it because of the noise but it's too satisfying.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to SPD and Sleep Problems.

Cannot sleep if I dont rub my feet on rough textured fabric

Comments for Cannot sleep if I dont rub my feet on rough textured fabric

Recent Articles

Touching other peoples hair

Stool backup

Hand Flapping