Everybody has a preference for what they wear to sleep. Some people like different materials, some prefer either thick or thin clothing, while for others, wearing nothing at all is the obvious choice.
There are no rules for what’s best to wear to bed. You should do what makes you comfortable and will help you get a good night’s sleep, whether that be wearing clothes you’re comfy in or sleeping naked.
It really doesn’t matter what you wear (or don’t wear) to sleep. Everything is completely normal and sleeping in your birthday suit can be a great way to boost self-esteem and maintain a positive body image.
Prefer covering up? That’s totally cool. However, there are some clothing items you should steer clear of when you hit the sack. In this article, we take a look at the benefits of sleeping naked – and the best and worst types of clothes to wear to bed.
The Benefits of Sleeping Naked
If it’s your first time trying to sleep in your birthday suit, it might feel unusual at first, but don’t fret – you’ll get used to it fast! And if you’re not convinced? These reported wellness and health benefits of sleeping naked might inspire you to strip off.
You’ll Fall Asleep Faster
When thinking about ways to get better sleep, nudity might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, when you strip off you may fall asleep faster as lowering your body’s core temperature can effectively tell your circadian rhythm that it’s time for a good night’s sleep. Just make sure your room is set at an ideal temperature since significantly cooler temperatures may make you feel uncomfortable when sleeping naked.
Stress levels are also kept at bay since the cooler temperature of sleeping nude reduces the body’s production of the stress hormone, cortisol. This can place you in a better headspace to fall asleep faster and help prevent sleep deprivation.
Note: Most people’s optimal temperature ranges from 66-70 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure you set your bedroom temperature within that range.
It Can Help Prevent Obesity
One of the potential benefits of sleeping naked is to prevent weight gain. Why? Because when your bedroom temperature is lower and you sleep cooler, your body tends to produce more brown fat.
While that might not sound like a good thing, brown fat isn’t the same as your typical body fat. Brown fat actually helps boost your metabolism, which in turn can help reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity.
Perfect for Partners
Fun fact: partners who sleep together in their birthday suits may experience improved life satisfaction and reduced stress levels. The intimacy of cuddles with skin-to-skin contact has been shown to increase the production of oxytocin – a hormone that makes you feel good and reduces the feeling of anxiety.
Great for Vaginal Health
For women, sleeping naked is one of the easiest ways to improve vaginal health and avoid the occurrence of yeast infections. Sleeping naked helps your genitalia to keep cool and avoid the friction and sweatiness that can occur when wearing underwear (especially in tight, non-breathable fabrics).
While wearing undies during the day can be a necessary step for hygienic purposes, sleeping nude is a great way to air out your genitalia and keep the area healthy.
Higher Sperm Count
Sleeping nude isn’t just for the ladies; male fertility can actually be increased when you get rid of your trousers during sleep. Studies point out that men who sleep with tight-fitting underwear often exhibit lower sperm count than those who sleep in loose boxers or in the nude. Keeping the testicles cool also helps promote sperm health which is vital for fertility. So it’s something to consider if you and your partner are struggling to conceive.
What’s the Best Way to Sleep Naked?
It seems pretty self-explanatory, but there are some things you should keep in mind when sleeping nude. First, it’s best to shower before hopping into bed, as this helps lower your core temperature faster and prevents any outside dirt from transferring onto your bed. And second, ensure that your sheets are clean since the fabric comes in full contact with your skin.
Clean and comfortable bedding is obviously extra-important when sleeping naked. Check out – you’ll be amazed at the better sleep quality you can achieve on silky-smooth and hypoallergenic sheets.
Read: How Often Should You Wash Sheets and Pillowcases
Are There Clothes That I Should Avoid Wearing While I Sleep?
Snoozing in the nude can feel uncomfortable for some, and that’s normal. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep commando all the time. However, there are some articles of clothing that we recommend you avoid for a better night’s sleep. Here are some of them:
Bras
While bras offer great support during the day, they’re not as useful when lying down and sleeping. In fact, there’s no need for that support when you’re in bed.
Wearing a bra to sleep can inhibit good blood flow and circulation in the area and lying on your side while wearing one may also compress the breast tissue. Underwire bras in particular do not work well with sleep. The underwire can cause skin irritation, plus there can be plenty of discomfort from the wire digging in. So ditching the bra at bedtime is definitely the way to go!
Tight-Fitting Underwear
It’s not unusual for men to wear briefs or tight boxers during sleep as they would wear them throughout the day. There’s nothing wrong with wearing underwear during sleep, but it’s probably best to avoid your tighty whities.
As with bras, wearing tight jocks can cause increased temperature and sweat in the area, which nobody wants.
Women should also choose loose-fitting underwear for sleeping and be particular about the material. Cotton or bamboo is best because both are super breathable.
What Are the Clothes That Are Okay to Be Worn in Bed?
Pyjamas or Nightgowns
Pyjamas, or ‘PJs’, were created to be your sleep clothes, only worn in the confines of your home. The designs and materials for PJs are usually chosen for ultimate comfort and breathability. Light and flowy, nightgowns in particular are a great option for summer.
Not all PJs are created equally, though. So it’s important that you pick a set that fits loosely and allows for comfortable movement as you sleep.
The material of your pyjamas and nightgowns also plays an important role in your comfort. Select natural and breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, silk, or linen. By choosing one of these options, you won’t get overly hot or sweaty in your sleep and your core body temperature won’t increase, which will help in getting that deep, restful sleep.
As a part of your bedtime routine, change into loose-fitting sleepwear. A comfy, breathable set will help improve your sleep quality and it’s less likely for you to wake up in the morning feeling hot and sweaty.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, what you wear or don’t wear to bed is a matter of personal preference. Sleep is a time for you to relax, rest, and recover, so it’s best to do what makes you the most comfortable.
If you’re used to sleeping with clothes on, by all means, keep doing that. Just be mindful of what you wear during your sleep and if it’s restrictive, get rid of it!
And if you want to try sleeping in your birthday suit? There are a bunch of benefits, so why not give it a go? Who knows, you might even enjoy it – and your partner might too.