Some people believe that sleeping naked can improve health and wellness in a variety of ways, including helping you fall asleep faster, improving your relationship, and promoting reproductive health. In fact, 28% of French people Trusted Source Statista Within just a few years, Statista managed to establish itself as a leading provider of market and consumer data. Over 1,000 visionaries, experts and doers continuously reinvent Statista, thereby constantly developing successful new products and business models. View Source report sleeping nude often.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should sleep at least seven hours each night, yet one-third of adults sleep less than that. Sleep deprivation is a major problem because of how it can negatively impact health. For example, sleep deprivation increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source , among other problems.
Some people believe sleeping naked helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. However, researchers haven’t directly studied these potential benefits of sleeping nude. If sleeping naked helps you receive the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, then it’s worth trying. Research suggests that sleeping naked may potentially positively impact reproductive health, connection with a partner, and self-esteem.
Currently, there isn’t much scientific research studying the effects of sleeping nude, or reliable data on what percentage of people in the U.S. sleep naked. Some studies do provide insight into the potential benefits of sleeping naked, however.
Potentially Improved Sleep
Our bodies are regulated by our circadian rhythm Trusted Source National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) The NIGMS supports basic research that increases our understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. View Source , which cycles through heating and cooling patterns throughout the day. As we begin to feel tired at the end of the day, our melatonin production increases and our core body temperature decreases Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . This decrease in body temperature continues throughout the night.
The optimal room temperature for sleep Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source ranges from around 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and is key to sleeping well. Becoming too warm at night interferes with sleep. For this reason, some people believe sleeping nude can help your body achieve a cooler core temperature faster and promote better sleep. Researchers haven’t directly studied the effect sleeping nude has on sleep, however.
If you decide to try sleeping naked, make sure you have comfortable bedding. Like heat, cold can also negatively affect sleep quality. Researchers found that those who slept semi-nude were more susceptible Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source to changes in the ambient temperature unless they also had adequate bed covers that they could use throughout the night to keep them from becoming too cold.
Vaginal Health
Sleeping naked may help keep Candida yeast from flourishing in the vagina. An overgrowth of Candida causes a yeast infection Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source , which may inflame the mucous membrane of the vagina, causing pain and itching.
The risk of yeast infections is often increased by inadequate air circulation Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , commonly due to tight or synthetic underwear. Avoiding tight or ill-fitting underwear while you sleep can contribute to overall better vaginal health.
Skin Health
Sleep can impact your skin’s health and appearance. When you are fatigued and not getting enough sleep, your skin is more susceptible to wrinkles, drooping, swelling, and dark circles Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source under your eyes. Delayed or reduced sleep also impacts your skin’s ability to heal wounds Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , like cuts or blisters.
If sleeping naked helps you sleep better, then it will also improve the health of your skin. More sleep gives your skin time to regenerate and repair any wounds, helping you look and feel your best. That said, no studies have been conducted yet on how sleeping nude affects skin.
Male Fertility
Sleeping naked may positively impact male fertility, though it hasn’t been directly studied. Research suggests that wearing tight-fitting underwear Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source increases the temperature of the scrotum, which can decrease sperm vitality and count. For this reason, wearing boxers versus tighter fitting underwear may impact the concentration of sperm Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in men. Additionally, there is evidence that scrotal cooling directly impacts sperm health Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and motility.
Sleeping naked can help you keep your body temperature cooler. Although research on sleeping naked is needed to draw valid conclusions, past research suggests the cooling associated with sleeping nude might increase sperm health.
Relationships and Self-Esteem
Sleeping naked next to your partner may increase feelings of fulfillment and connection between couples. Partners who spend time engaging in skin-to-skin contact are more likely to feel less stressed Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and closer to their partner. Skin-to-skin contact releases the hormone oxytocin, which is a feel-good hormone that promotes feelings of safety and love while reducing anxiety Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .
In addition to decreasing stress, sleeping naked with a partner may help you feel good about your body. Spending time naked around others increases self-esteem Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and a positive body image.
Things To Consider Before Sleeping Naked
Here are few things to consider before you make the change to sleeping in the buff:
- Ensure you have a few sets of sheets, since you might want to change your sheets more often.
- Surround yourself with comfortable bedding, so you don’t become too cold at night.
- Consider showering before bed to keep your sheets clean longer.
- If you sleepwalk, you may want to sleep in at least underwear, especially if you live with roommates or family members you wouldn’t want to see you naked.
Tips To Start Sleeping Naked
If you’re ready to sleep naked, here are some helpful tips to get started:
- Try sleeping in only a T-shirt or underwear for the first few nights to help you adjust to the sensation of wearing fewer clothes.
- Let your partner know that you’re making changes to your sleep routine and invite them to consider sleeping naked along with you.
- Invest in better sheets and bedding, so you’re comfortable when you start sleeping nude.
- Make sure your comforter is adequately warm, and add blankets if needed.
- Create a bedtime ritual to help you wind down and start lowering your body temperature before you shed your clothes for the night.
- Go at a pace that feels good for you and begin sleeping completely nude only when it feels comfortable.
What if I Can’t Sleep Naked?
If you live with roommates or simply feel like sleeping naked isn’t for you, try opting for sleepwear that is made out of natural fibers like wool, silk, or cotton. These natural fibers — especially wool — have been shown to help you fall asleep faster Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source than synthetic materials that may be uncomfortable or trap too much heat against the body. Finding a pair of natural fiber pajamas that feel comfortable to you could be a way to reduce your nighttime body temperature without going nude.