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Do you prefer to cosy up in snuggly pyjamas, or perhaps you feel the cold so don a onesie in bed? Or, are you part of the 23% who prefer to embrace their birthday suit, and snooze in the nude? If so, you might be doing yourself some favours, as there are some surprising benefits to sleeping naked.
What are the benefits of sleeping naked?
The biggest benefit of sleeping without clothes on is temperature regulation. As we sleep, our body drops in temperature, helping us produce melatonin - the sleep hormone - and your temperature will rise again towards the morning to help wake you up. That’s why our sleep expert, Martin Seeley, recommends taking a cold shower before bed, and why cooling gel mattresses are so popular for a good night’s sleep.
Sleeping naked aids this process, as no heat-trapping pyjamas are getting in the way of your core temperature dropping. Overheating can seriously hinder your chances of a deep sleep, so sleeping naked means your body can easily dissipate heat and cool you down, especially if you tend to sweat during the night.
During the summer months, staying cool at night is essential for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Our guides on how to get to sleep in the heat and why you shouldn’t run a fan all night will give you more tips on sleeping in hot weather, but you should seriously consider ditching the pyjamas if you want to cool down, too.
Is sleeping naked good for you?
Sleeping naked benefits go further than just encouraging a deeper sleep. It’s physically healthier, as the reduction of sweat means there’s less chance for bacteria to build up in your pyjamas and bed sheets. If you do wear pyjamas, you should wash them every two to three wears - more if you sweat at night, or have enjoyed a long lay-in - but this still leaves room for bacteria growth. If you don’t want to change your pyjamas every single night, stick to sleeping naked.
You should avoid wearing underwear - especially tight-fitting underwear - to bed, as this will trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of fungal infections and other skin irritations. Sleeping naked lets air circulate freely around your body, keeping you fresh and dry.
Psychological benefits of sleeping naked
Sleeping naked is also good for you mentally, as it can make you feel 'free'. With a sense of freedom and relaxation going hand in hand, this will only improve your night’s rest. You’re less likely to toss and turn through the night, irritated by uncomfortable pyjama fabric. Instead, you’ll be totally unrestricted.
Beyond physical comfort, another benefit of sleeping naked is to your relationship, much like the benefits of cuddling. Skin-to-skin contact releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and fosters a sense of security and trust. This increased intimacy will help you feel emotionally connected to your partner, and it might lead you to check out our guide to the best mattresses for sex…
Should you wear pyjamas to bed?
Even though there are plenty of benefits to sleeping naked, there are some exceptions. For example, people prone to urinary tract infections will benefit from wearing loose, cotton underwear to bed, but you should check with your doctor for the best course of action for you.
People with certain skin sensitivities or compromised immune systems might need to wear pyjamas to limit their contact with potential allergens in the air. Plus, if you have bad circulation, you might need to wear pyjamas to warm you up, especially your feet.
If it’s suitable for you, you should absolutely consider sleeping naked for both your body and mind. Remember to change your bedsheets frequently to enjoy a fresh, clean sleeping environment, and check out our other guides like the best sleep supplements to take before bed for the best night’s sleep possible.
