Why You Should Try Sleeping Nude Tonight, According to Science
Stripping down for bedtime has more benefits than you think
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Medically reviewed by Deepa Burman, MD, FAASM
When you want a good night’s sleep, you do a few things. You might brew yourself a cup of chamomile tea, limit your screen time before bed, fluff your pillows, and fiddle with the thermostat until your room’s temperature is just right.
If you’re among the many people with rows and rows of pajamas in their closets, sleeping in the nude is probably the last thing on your mind when looking for quality sleep. However, many claim sleeping in your birthday suit isn’t just comfortable; it may even have certain health benefits. Others shy away from doing so either because of personal or cultural preferences.
But what does science say about sleeping in the nude, and should you be getting rid of your favorite sleepwear anytime soon? Here, we explore both the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping naked, allowing you to answer this question for yourself.
Benefits of Sleeping Nude
Sleeping nude has many benefits. Some of the most compelling include:
Better Sleep Quality
Sleeping nude might do more for your sleep quality than you think. When you go to bed without clothes, your body can regulate its temperature more effectively. This optimal temperature regulation makes you sleep quicker and have deeper sleep cycles.
According to sleep experts, cooler temperatures allow you to have a more restful night, and losing your PJs might be a simple way to achieve this.
Healthier Skin
Sleeping without clothes allows your skin to breathe overnight, reducing the risk of skin diseases, like fungal infections, which thrive in moist, covered environments. Dermatologists suggest that going nude can also prevent blemishes and acne, which are often worsened by tight clothing that can trap dirt and sweat against your skin.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Sleeping nude can also have psychological benefits. Sleeping without clothes gives you a sense of freedom, which can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, reducing stress and anxiety. Some studies suggest that this form of physical freedom can boost the release of growth hormones and reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone.
Improved Body Temperature Regulation
When you sleep without clothes, you’re able to maintain a lower body temperature throughout the night, which may not only improve sleep quality but also offer long-term health benefits. Some research indicates that cooler sleep can contribute to better metabolic health and reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Sleeping nude offers several benefits, including better thermoregulation and enhanced sleep quality. By reducing the layers of clothing, the body can maintain a cooler temperature, which is optimal for sleep. A cooler sleep environment helps lower the risk of insomnia and promotes deeper sleep cycles, says Chelsey Borson, an experienced sleep coach, sleep expert, and founder of Luna Leaps.
Related: Why Am I Naked in My Dreams Sometimes?
Drawbacks of Sleeping Nude
Despite its positive claims, sleeping nude isn’t without certain drawbacks. A few which have been reported are:
Potential Discomfort
While many find sleeping nude comfortable, it isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer to be warm and protected while they sleep, making sleeping without clothes uncomfortable. They may also feel vulnerable or exposed, which is unlikely to allow them to have a good night’s rest.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
If you sleep nude, you also have to consider some hygiene considerations. Without clothes, sweat and dead skin cells come into more direct contact with your sheets, which means you need to change and wash them more frequently. If you’re living with health issues like incontinence or night sweats, clothes also provide an essential layer of protection.
Social and Cultural factors
Cultural norms and personal upbringing can heavily influence one’s comfort with sleeping naked. In some cultures, sleeping without clothes is frowned upon, and even in private, people may feel an entrenched modesty that makes them uncomfortable with the idea. Also, those living with family or in shared accommodation may find it impractical or inappropriate to sleep naked as they’re in shared spaces, and there is always the potential to be walked in on.
Related: Coping With Gymnophobia in Your Life
Temperature Sensitivity
Although sleeping naked can help cool down, it might be uncomfortable in colder climates or during winter months. Maintaining body warmth is also difficult when it's colder, which can disrupt your sleep, making it necessary to sleep in a well-heated environment, which might not be available or economically viable for everyone.
Scientific Perspective on Sleeping Nude
Many people who like to sleep naked may not realize it has positive physiological effects. Research shows that your body’s core temperature needs to drop slightly for you to sleep comfortably and stay asleep throughout the night.
Takeaway
Sleeping naked can help encourage this natural drop in temperature. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that removing layers of clothing can significantly improve thermoregulation as you sleep, potentially leading to better sleep quality and efficiency.
The body’s stress-response system is highly reactive to temperature. Sleeping in cooler conditions, which being nude helps with, can help keep your cortisol levels lower at night. Lower cortisol levels are associated with less anxiety, reduced stress, and better mental health. Research has linked lower nighttime cortisol levels with better mood and cognitive function when you wake.
Sleeping cooler can also promote the release of growth hormones, which play a role in tissue repair and regeneration. This has implications for skin health, as these hormones help rejuvenate the skin and repair damage from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. A 2020 study showed that your skin recovers from blemishes better, and there are reduced signs of aging when you sleep better.
Emerging research suggests that sleeping in cooler conditions, such as those provided by sleeping nude, might improve metabolic health. A 2014 suggested that cooler sleep environments could help increase brown fat activity, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, which could potentially help in weight management and metabolic syndrome reduction.
Takeaway
From a scientific and psychological perspective, sleeping nude can positively impact mental health. It can increase levels of oxytocin, reduce stress, and boost self-confidence. Yet, it's crucial to consider personal comfort and cultural norms, as discomfort can negate these psychological benefits, says Borson.
Personal Experiences and Opinions
Most people who sleep naked simply do so as a personal preference. However, people’s experiences of sleeping naked can vary widely. Some people who prefer to sleep naked report better sleep quality. Lynn, 34, is one such person: “I started sleeping nude a few years ago just for the fun of it, and I believe it helped with my insomnia. I fell asleep faster than before and woke up more refreshed. There’s also an unexpected sense of freedom that comes with it, which I really enjoy.”
Kevin, 29, shares Lynn's sentiments: “Since I began sleeping sans clothes, I’ve noticed I feel much better about my body. I only realized after doing it for a few weeks that I only saw myself naked while taking a shower before then. It feels empowering to embrace my body in such a natural state now.”
However, sleeping in the nude isn't for everyone, and Sarah, 32, can't fathom it: “I don't care if there are health benefits. I currently sleep just fine and can't imagine sleeping without clothes for any reason. I'll feel too exposed. The best I can do is a light tee and underwear.” David, 36, points out a practical concern: “I actually don't mind sleeping without clothes; I did it a lot when I was younger. Now I'm married and have a house full of kids. Not only does my partner prefer I sleep with clothes, but I worry about needing to get up suddenly at night to attend to an emergency in nothing but my birthday suit.”
Some people have found a middle ground to fit their needs. Malia, 28, adjusts her preferences to match the weather: “I sleep nude in the summer or when I'm back in my home country, which is tropical. But when winter rolls around, I switch back to pajamas.”
Tips for Sleeping Nude
If you’re considering sleeping nude or already do so and want to improve your experience, here are some practical tips to ensure you’re comfortable and your privacy is protected:
Start slowly: If you’re new to sleeping nude, start by wearing less and less clothing to bed each night until you feel comfortable going completely nude. This gradual transition can ease any initial discomfort or awkwardness.
Use high-quality bedding: Invest in soft, breathable bedding materials such as cotton, silk, or bamboo. High-quality sheets can make you more comfortable and help regulate temperature.
Maintain a clean sleep environment: Hygiene is crucial when sleeping nude. Wash your sheets more frequently to remove sweat and dead skin cells that build up more directly on your sheets. Consider taking a shower before bed to keep your bed clean and reduce the chance of skin irritations.
Ensure privacy: If you sleep naked, Make sure your bedroom is private and secure. Use curtains, blinds, or window films to prevent people from being able to look in, especially if you live in a high-visibility area or have roommates.
Manage temperature: Adjust your bedroom temperature to ensure it’s comfortable for sleeping nude. In colder months, you may want to use a heater or keep an extra blanket at the foot of the bed that can be easily removed if you get too warm.
Consider health and safety: Keep a robe or easy-to-slip-on clothes near your bed in case you need to get up suddenly during the night for personal reasons or emergencies. This ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected situations.
If you are interested in trying this, ensure your bedroom is private and secure. Choose bedding that feels comfortable against your skin, and consider a sleep-friendly environment that maintains a cool temperature throughout the night, Borson adds.
Takeaways
While some people just prefer to sleep in the nude, some research suggests that doing so has many benefits for your physical and mental health. It can improve sleep quality and skin health, reduce stress, and possibly even improve metabolic function.
However, it is crucial to stack these benefits against potential drawbacks such as personal comfort, hygiene concerns, and cultural considerations. What works for a friend may not be ideal for you, and personal comfort and safety should always come first.
While sleeping nude isn't for everyone, Borson concludes that it can be beneficial for those who find comfort in it and can manage the practical considerations. As with any new habit, it’s about finding what works best for you and adapting as necessary to fit your lifestyle.
Read the original article on Verywell Mind.
