It may seem that ditching your pyjamas would have you feeling slightly exposed. However, you may want to reconsider that. Research from sleep experts suggests that sleeping naked could actually be one of the simplest ways to improve your health.
From helping with reducing stress and improving your skin, the benefits of sleeping nude are deeper than personal comfort.
Dr. Priya Sharma, a sleep specialised consultant psychiatrist, explored the many benefits of sleeping naked and why it could be the way for you.
“An essential factor and what makes us feel sleepy is when our body temperature drops at night. Things like hot showers before bed can help aid that process.”
Our bodies naturally follow a circadian rhythm which is a biological clock that uses changes in light and temperature to regulate sleep and waking up cycles. A drop in body temperature is key to this process and simple habits such as taking a hot shower can initiate this.
“Wearing clothing however, especially if it’s heavy, can interrupt that cooling process. Sleeping without any clothing can allow for better regulation of body temperature leading to a more restorative sleep.”
The type of clothing you sleep in may be working against you. Fabrics that retain more heat or restrict the airflow prevent your body cooling down. Sleeping naked can eliminate that, and give your body a better chance to regulate temperature for deep sleep.
“Sleeping naked is also beneficial for sleep quality and duration. Having a cooler body temperature can improve our sleep cycles and ensure longer sleep.”
Whilst the cooling effect can help you fall asleep faster it can also affect the quality of your sleep. Maintaining a lower body temperature supports REM sleep which is crucial for memory and mood regulation.
“It is vital to get at least eight hours of sleep per night and so if sleeping without clothing has that cooling effect on our bodies then it is certainly worth giving it a try.”
Small adjustments such as sleeping naked could have a larger impact than expected. If it leads to more consistent and deeper rest then it might be worth considering.
“These cooler sleep habitats can reduce cortisol which essentially is the body’s main stress hormone. That reduction can also help play a role in hunger regulation which could have benefits for weight management.”
Lower cortisol levels mean less stress and even a better control over appetite. Poor sleep and late-night snacking are often linked and cause hormonal imbalances. These can lead to weight gain over time. Regulation of body temperature is a way of disrupting that.
“One of the bigger benefits of sleeping naked is that it allows for better skin and muscle health. Without any clothes to trap heat and bacteria, your skin can breathe better reducing acne and irritation.
Sleep also supports the release of growth hormones which repair muscles and tissues which may be even more effective when your sleep quality improves.”
Removing clothing at night means less sweat and less friction which are two things that can irritate skin. Improved sleep quality can boost natural repair of skin and muscles.
“Another benefit of sleeping naked is that it can help to maintain vaginal health. Wearing underwear that’s tight can restrict the airflow to the vagina which can increase the likelihood of contracting a yeast infection.”
From a medical point of view, sleeping naked can reduce the risk of infection which for women can make a huge difference in their overall hygiene and comfort.
“From a male perspective it can benefit male fertility. Wearing tight underwear increases the temperature of the scrotum which can reduce sperm count in men. Sleeping naked can help to prevent this and keep your body cooler.”
Scrotal temperature also plays a role in sperm health. Keeping that area cool can improve male fertility.
“In terms of sleeping next to a partner, skin-to-skin contact can trigger the release of oxytocin which is known as the love hormone. It promotes feelings of connection and safety which is vital for bonding and emotional closeness. This can help to relax one another leading to a healthier night’s sleep.”
Beyond the physical benefits come emotional ones too. Sleeping naked can boost intimacy between partners and release hormones that promote relaxation.
“I get it can seem quite unusual at first but perhaps start by wearing looser clothing in bed or something along those lines. I would recommend keeping your bedroom cool, using clean bedding and changing your sheets weekly. Showering before bed to raise body temperature allowing for the body to cool down is important too.”
There are steps you can take along with sleeping naked that improve sleep.
“A lot of people are uncomfortable sleeping naked just because they feel very exposed even if sleeping alone. What sometimes helps at the start is keeping a dressing gown or some form of clothing next to your bed. That way you can quickly cover up when leaving the bed again.”
The most important thing is creating a sense of comfort which will ultimately lead to a better night’s sleep.
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