Have you ever noticed yourself rubbing your feet together while watching TV or getting into bed, and wondered why?
For many people, it is simply a comforting, habitual activity with no real meaning behind it. But in other ways, however, it can indicate an underlying issue.
Rubbing your feet together can sometimes serve as a method of self-soothing, sensory stimulation. But it can be related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
That said, rubbing one’s feet together can occur in individuals who do not have ADHD ; as a sleep habit, as a habit of anxiety, or even sensory sensitivity from a hand or body part..
At Ballem Harmony Clinic, we work with parents to classify certain behaviors like rubbing your feet together, whether that is a typical self-soothing behavior or a related behavior to ADHD and related conditions.
What Does It Mean When You Rub Your Feet Together?
Unconsciously, many people rub their feet together. This may serve somewhat different functions depending on the individual’s age group, emotional status, or possible neurological differences.
Comfort and Relaxation
Some people rub feet together as they lay in bed trying to relax. The friction generates warmth and releases tension from the feet and legs trying to prepare the body for sleep.
Sensory Stimulation
Individuals living with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety often rubbing feet together for sensory input which calms the nervous system. This repetition acts like a “self-hug” for the brain.
Sleep Connections
Both kids and adults often associate rubbing feet together to fall asleep with feelings of comfort or safety. With time, it becomes a conditioned behavior that becomes a signal to the body that it is time for rest.
Emotional Regulation
When feeling anxiety, anger or discomfort, you may find yourself rubbing your feet in bed or like my dad, the couch, as a beneficial way to assist in releasing emotional tension without any conscious recognition.
Is Rubbing Your Feet Together a Sign of ADHD?
Though it is not a medically recognized symptom of ADHD, rubbing feet together (or rubbing feet) is something you are likely to see in people with hyperactivity, restlessness, or sensory seeking behaviors.
| Behavior | Possible Meaning | ADHD Link |
| Rubbing feet together | Self-soothing or comfort-seeking | Can indicate sensory stimulation |
| Foot tapping or leg shaking | Restlessness, energy release | Common in ADHD |
| Fidgeting with hands or objects | Focus aid | Core ADHD behavior |
| Repetitive body movements | Stimming | Sensory regulation mechanism |
ADHD is the inability to sit still, or focus. A person with ADHD finds other ways to spend the extra energy stored within. Rubbing feet together at night gives them light stimulation and helps the person feel more grounded.
The Psychology of Rubbing Feet Together
Rubbing your feet together is a physical and psychological response. Let’s parse through the mental processes involved in this behavior.
Sensory Processing
Your brain is always trying to find the optimal amount of sensory processing. When there is insufficient input, you may subconsciously rub your feet together to generate sensory input to equilibrate your bodily sensations.
Emotional Comfort
This repetitive motion often appears when emotions are fluctuating. You may find yourself rubbing your feet together as others bite nails in similar situations to soothe your emotions.
Cognitive Processing
Some people say that rubbing feet together helps them think or focus faster, or fall asleep faster, somewhat similar to rocking or humming.
Sleeping and Relaxation
For those who rub their feet together in bed, it may release muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase melatonin flow which can help you enter relaxation and sleep.
Why Do I Rub My Feet Together to Go to Sleep?
Comfort and warmth
The friction creates heat, which can ease muscle relaxation.
Cue for sleep
Over time, your brain associates rubbing feet together with sleep.
Restless legs
It may be relief from minor restlessness, or slight tingling.
Calms anxiety
The repetitive rhythm may help to decrease anxiety and still the mind.
Is it harmful?
In general, no. If though, you find it to be excessive, or to annoy a sleep partner, then it could be an indication of some degree of restlessness or sensory sensitivity that could relate to ADHD or anxiety.
Rubbing Feet Together and Stimming
Stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) involves repetitive action that offers sensory feedback, such as hand-flapping, fidgeting, or rubbing feet together.
Reasons why people stim
- To self-regulate emotions or increase focus in a difficult task
- To discharge energy, they may be holding in
- To cope with sensory overload in stressful situations
If an individual is rubbing feet together stimming along with other symptoms that include distracting oneself, impulsivity, or constant movements, it may also be beneficial to do an evaluation of possible ADHD.
Behavioral Signs That Might Accompany Foot Rubbing
If you or your child frequently rub feet together, check for these additional behaviors:
- Constant movement or fidgeting
- Trouble staying focused
- Difficulty sitting still
- Interrupting others during conversations
- Impulsivity or emotional outbursts
- Trouble falling asleep without movement
What Should Parents Look For?
Parents frequently observe children rubbing their feet together before bed or during quieter activities.
This can be within the normal range of movement.
It is important to pay attention to where the behaviors are happening more often.
- The behavior impacts daily living skills.
- The behavior is associated with attention problems and/or impulsivity.
- The child seems unaware of or unable to stop the behaviors.
- Teachers note constant movement behaviors or behaviors associated with restlessness.
At Ballem Harmony Clinic, we can assist parents in determining if the above behaviors may be related to concerns about ADHD, sensory processing difficulties or anxiety.
How to Manage or Reduce the Habit
Create sensory outlets
Use stress balls, textured blankets, or fidget tools.
Sleep hygiene
Maintain consistent bedtime routines.
Exercise regularly
Movements that will expend energy will combat restlessness.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Controlled breathing, mindfulness, etc.to settle the nervous system.
Get a thorough assessment
Consult a professional when the habit continues or becomes disruptive to focus.
For Children
Provide structured sensory play (such as clay or sand) to satisfy sensory needs instead of rubbing feet together excessively.
Conclusion
Being aware of the psychology and context of rubbing feet together can give you or your child assurance in the balance of comfort and mental health. If at all in question, an evaluation by a professional may always be the step you wish to consider.
At Ballem Harmony Clinic we specialize in diagnosing and treating inefficiencies associated with repetitive behaviours, sensory processing issues and symptoms of ADHD. We support individuals and families living a life of ease, understanding and to a quality of life.
FAQs
Why do I rub my feet together to go to sleep?
It is a self-soothing habit that permits their muscles to relax and can be a way to reduce arousal of the nervous system.
Should I be concerned if my child rubs their feet together a lot?
No, not always. However, if this occurs frequently it may be advisable to have a specialist evaluate your child for possible ADHD or other sensory issues.
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