We all know that what we wear to bed is important. But what if what we DON’T wear could have an even bigger impact on our sleep and health? That’s right, cast away the pajamas along with the perception that sleeping nude is naughty or dirty, because the practice actually has several benefits.
BENEFITS
It helps regulate temperature
Ditching PJs helps you sleep cooler, and doing so can improve the quality of your sleep. As a study by the Imperial College of London found, your brain’s journey through the cycles of sleep are tied to your body’s temperature. Your ideal sleep temperature, the study found, is between 66° and 70° Fahrenheit.
It has “below-the-belt” benefits for everyone
The yeast strain candida thrives on warm, damp places. An upset to the environment of the vagina can make it a suitable home for candida and ground zero for a yeast infection. In addition to avoiding tight fitting undergarments, you could add sleeping naked to the mix and give the vaginal area airflow and a break from underwear.
Sleeping in the buff can also improve sperm motility. Studies have long shown a correlation between tight fitting pants and undergarments and sperm, but a recent German study found that a period of scrotal cooling at night can increase motility. Easiest way to drop scrotal temperature? Ditch your boxers.
It’ll bring you and your partner closer
The Sleep Foundation points out that a little skin to skin contact leads to couples feeling closer and less stressed due to production of the hormone oxytocin – the feel-good hormone. In addition, Psychology Today says that being in bed, close to your partner, and naked already can make for more frequent sex.
HELPFUL TIPS
It helps regulate temperature
Ditching PJs helps you sleep cooler, and doing so can improve the quality of your sleep. As a study by the Imperial College of London found, your brain’s journey through the cycles of sleep are tied to your body’s temperature. Your ideal sleep temperature, the study found, is between 66° and 70° Fahrenheit.
It has “below-the-belt” benefits for everyone
The yeast strain candida thrives on warm, damp places. An upset to the environment of the vagina can make it a suitable home for candida and ground zero for a yeast infection. In addition to avoiding tight fitting undergarments, you could add sleeping naked to the mix and give the vaginal area airflow and a break from underwear.
Sleeping in the buff can also improve sperm motility. Studies have long shown a correlation between tight fitting pants and undergarments and sperm, but a recent German study found that a period of scrotal cooling at night can increase motility. Easiest way to drop scrotal temperature? Ditch your boxers.
It’ll bring you and your partner closer The Sleep Foundation points out that a little skin to skin contact leads to couples feeling closer and less stressed due to production of the hormone oxytocin – the feel-good hormone. In addition, Psychology Today says that being in bed, close to your partner, and naked already can make for more frequent sex.
Before you go diving right into bed in your birthday suit, The Sleep Foundation has a couple of tips to get you started.
Invest in your sheets
Given the increased amount of skin contact, you’ll want to be sure you have decent bedding. Consider adding a few extra sets to your rotation since you’ll likely want to change them more often.
Keep an extra blanket on hand
Because, well … you’re naked and might get cold.
Consider showering before bed
This will help keep dirt, oils and sweat on your skin from making it to your sheets.
Ease into sleeping nude
If you’re used to full PJs or sweats, try paring down to a t-shirt and shorts. Go at your own pace and only do what you’re comfortable doing.
Nighttime visitors If pets, roommates or young children who frequently have nightmares have you a little leery of doing the full Monty at bedtime, consider going as minimal as possible. Cover what’s necessary for your comfort.
With the potential benefits to your sleep, brain, body and relationships, there’s no reason not to try dressing WAY down for bed and giving sleeping in the nude a go.
RELATED ARTICLES
Cooking School 101: It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car!
Talking Money With Your Partner
