We all know how important sleep is for our overall health and well-being. After all, nothing feels better than waking up refreshed after a good night’s sleep. However, have you ever considered the idea of sleeping naked? While not everyone may be comfortable with the idea, there are actually several benefits to sleeping in your birthday suit. Let’s explore why you might want to consider sleeping au natural – according to science.
The Importance of Sleep
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Before we dive into the benefits of sleeping naked, let’s first discuss the importance of sleep in general. Adequate sleep has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and much more. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to nine hours a night for adults. According to their findings, consistently getting less than six hours per night can lead to an increased mortality rate by 15% or more. (1, 2) Maintaining a good night’s sleep will also help you manage your weight. The reason for this is that sleep helps to regulate hormones and blood sugar levels. When we get enough sleep, our bodies are able to function properly without relying on extra energy stores. This means you’ll have more energy throughout the day and be less likely to overeat. (3)
On the other hand, poor sleep has been linked to depression and even an increased risk of self-harm
Above view frown millennial woman feels pain in neck after night, awaken in bad temper having painful sudden ache or stiffness, concept of poor incorrect posture during sleeping or too soft mattress
The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-9 hours per night. Sleep is not just a way to rest your body and mind but also to reset your circadian rhythm. This helps you manage stress and feel more balanced throughout the day. (4) If you’re feeling like sleep is the last thing on your mind, and you need the motivation to get it done, we have some tips you can try.
Tips to try:
Flat lay composition with sleep eye mask, dream book and alarm clock on dark blue background. Healthy sleeping concept.
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Schedule a specific time to go to bed each night.
Have a relaxing routine before going to bed, such as reading or taking a bath.
Keep your room dark and cool (but not too cold).
Remove all distractions from your bedroom, including phones and computers.
Exercise, but not right before bed
Don’t eat too much before bed.
Limit your alcohol intake and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Benefits of Sleeping Naked
Cushions , Green pillows on bed
Now that we understand sleep’s importance, let’s explore the benefits of sleeping naked. Here are nine reasons why you should consider ditching your pajamas:
1. Improved Sleep Quality
girl sleeping in a comfortable position on the stomach
As already mentioned, one factor that influences sleep quality is the room’s temperature. If you are too warm, you won’t sleep well. Sleeping naked can help regulate your body temperature, leading to deeper and more restful sleep. (5)
2. Skin-to-skin contact
Close up of passionate lovers feet touch having sex on white sheet in bedroom, sensual couple enjoy intimate moment relaxing in bed, legs of boyfriend and girlfriend make love in woman on top position
If you sleep with a partner, then sleeping naked can actually benefit your relationship and your health. Skin-to-skin contact with your partner can release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which can reduce stress and anxiety. Not only will this benefit your relationship, but it will ultimately help you to sleep better. (6)
Read More: 6 Things You Shouldn’t Do In Bed to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
3. Better for Your Lady Parts
Sleeping without underwear can reduce the risk of yeast infections and other vaginal irritations for women. This is because bacteria that cause yeast infection prefer a warm, moist environment. Sleeping naked allows you to “air out” your nether regions, if you will, and discourage bacteria from overgrowing. (7)
4. Improved Sperm Quality
Portrait of a man sleeping in the bed at home
Research shows that wearing tight-fitting underwear can affect sperm count. For men, sleeping naked can help regulate testicular temperature, leading to improved sperm quality. It also gives your parts a chance to be free of the confines of underwear for (ideally) seven to nine hours each night. (8)
5. Better for Your Skin
Blackskin beauty woman healthy happy smile clean skin
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Sleeping naked can help your skin breathe and reduce the risk of skin irritations. Also, because sleeping naked can actually help you to sleep better, it promotes skin health and repair. Sleeping well promotes wound healing, and your skin looks fresh and rested each day. (9)
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6. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
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We’ve already mentioned that getting a good night’s sleep decreases stress and improves mental health. Sleeping naked promotes a better night’s sleep – you only have to lose the PJs! (10)
7. Prevent Weight Gain
Close Up Of Overweight Woman Trying To Fasten Trousers
A study that followed over 21,000 people for three years and found a possible link between inadequate sleep and weight gain. The results show that getting less than 5 hours each night can make you more likely to pack on the extra pounds. Sleeping naked keeps your body cooler and helps you sleep better, for longer. Another smaller study found that keeping your body cooler at night helps to burn more calories while you sleep. (11, 12)
8. May Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Male asian athlete, has chest pain fitness in the park and running, heart aches after cardio exercise
A study published in 2010 followed 1,455 people over six years and found an association between lower sleep duration and increased risk of diabetes. This, in turn, increases your risk of developing heart disease. Sleeping naked helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and get higher quality sleep, again largely due to body temperature regulation. (13)
9. Fall asleep faster
Feeling calmness. Sleepy female keeping eyes closed while dreaming about future vacation or sleeping at the bedroom. Stock photo
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We have all had those nights when we lie there, staring at the ceiling, wondering when sleep will finally come. Again, sleeping in the nude helps to keep you cooler, which can help you fall asleep faster. When your body wants to sleep, as part of your circadian rhythm, your body lowers its temperature. This signals that it is time for sleep. Keep yourself cooler by taking off the unnecessary layer of clothing, and you can get to dreamland faster.
Getting Comfortable Sleeping In The Buff
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Getting adequate quality sleep is the ultimate goal; sleeping naked can help you get there. However, we understand that not everyone may be comfortable sleeping this way. If you’re not used to sleeping naked, start by taking off one layer at a time and ease into it. At the very least, sleeping in light, loose-fitting pajamas instead of a tight top or fitted underwear will go a long way. At the end of the day, the most important thing is getting the sleep your body needs to function at its best.
Read More: The Link Between Childhood ADHD and Sleep Disorders That Can’t Be Ignored
Sources
“Extent and Health Consequences of Chronic Sleep Loss and Sleep Disorders.” NCBI
“Seven or more hours of sleep per night: A health necessity for adults.” AASM
“Weight Loss and Sleep.” Sleep Foundation. Rob Newsom and Kimberly Truong. December 16, 2022.
“Sleep and depression.” NCBI. Norifumi Tsuno, Alain Besset, and Karen Ritchie. 2005.
“Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm.” NCBI. Kazue Okamoto-Mizuno and Koh Mizuno. May 2012.
“How Touching Your Partner Can Make Both of You Healthier.” Healthline. Cathy Cassata. June 27, 2018
“Vaginal yeast infections.” Women’s Health.
“Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center .” Academic. Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, et al. August 8, 2018.
“Impact of sleep restriction on local immune response and skin barrier restoration with and without “multinutrient” nutrition intervention.” Journals Of Applied Physiology. Tracey J. Smith, et al. January 2018.
“Sleep and Depression.” Psychiatrist. Norifumi Tsuno, MD; Alain Besset, PhD; and Karen Ritchie, PhD. October14, 2005.
“Association between weight gain, obesity, and sleep duration: a large-scale 3-year cohort study.” Springer Link. Daiki Kobayashi, et al. September , 2011.
“Temperature-Acclimated Brown Adipose Tissue Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Humans .” Diabetes Journals. Paul Lee, et al. October13, 2014.
“Short sleep duration is associated with the development of impaired fasting glucose: the Western New York Health Study.” NCBI. Lisa Rafalson, et al. December 2010.
