Medically reviewed by
Dacelin St Martin, MD
Triple board-certified in Sleep Medicine,
Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.
Proof is in the Details | Body Temperature Regulation | Reduced Risk of Yeast Infections | Improved Male Fertility | Improved Closeness with your Partner | Tips for Sleeping Naked
Overview
When it comes to how we like to sleep, the natural inclination is “if it feels right, do it.”
This mindset aligns with nighttime sleepiness in the environment you find most comfortable sleeping in or even comfort items, such as your favorite pillow or pajamas.
And speaking of pajamas, sleepwear or the absence of it is no exception. But for those of us wondering if sleeping completely nude would be better than wearing that cozy flannel, some compelling reasons are worthy of consideration.
Proof is in the Details
No research has directly confirmed that sleeping naked is necessarily better than sleeping with something on. However, some of the mechanics of nude sleeping have been researched and signify better sleep.
When these individual components are looked at closer, it turns out that sleeping naked can help get better rest, reduces stress, and creates an appropriate physiological environment to improve other important markers of overall well-being and quality of life.
Let’s look at the significant benefits of sleeping in our birthday suits.
Body Temperature Regulation
Generally, the faster the body cools off, the quicker your sleep onset. Physiologically, this is a natural function of our body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm.
The optimal room temperature for sleep is around 66 to 70 degrees;[1] however, under blankets, the temperature can add up relatively quickly as the body’s heat comes into play. Becoming too warm can interfere with sleep.
Sleeping naked can be an effective solution as this helps your body achieve a cooler core temperature faster and promotes better sleep.
Reduced Risk of Yeast Infections
Sleeping naked is an easy way for women to avoid vaginal yeast infections. As Candida yeast thrives in warm, moist places, it is advisable to avoid tight-fitting sleepwear if completely nude sleeping is not for you.
Improved Male Fertility
We know that sleeping naked can help keep the body temperature cooler. And it seems that the benefits of that extend to sperm production. With improved scrotal cooling enabled by not wearing anything while sleeping, a positive impact on overall sperm health and motility is possible.[2]
If sleeping naked does not appeal to you, try to refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothing – especially in the scrotal area – while sleeping.
Improved Closeness with your Partner
Sleeping naked with your partner has been shown to stimulate the release of oxytocin,[3] a type of hormone that plays a vital role in feeling safety and fulfillment, thereby solidifying attachment.
As a bonus, sleeping naked with a partner has an overall calming effect that can increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety.
Tips for Sleeping Naked
You may wish to change bed sheets more frequently if you choose to sleep naked, as natural body oils will no longer have sleepwear as a barrier.
And speaking of bed sheets – a couple of good quality sets should be beneficial here too. Remember, much more of your skin will now be exposed to the material you sleep on, so you might as well make it feel great!
It is understandable that based on individual tastes and living circumstances, not everyone can sleep “naturally.” Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice, and you may try sleeping in looser sleepwear instead or as a transitional step towards sleeping fully nude.
With proper sleep, you have a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, a stronger immune system, better cognitive functions, and a reduced risk of depression. And that may be worth losing your clothes at night.
References:
- Harding EC, Franks NP, Wisden W. The Temperature Dependence of Sleep. Front Neurosci. 2019 Apr 24;13:336. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00336. PMID: 31105512; PMCID: PMC6491889.
- Jung A, Eberl M, Schill WB. Improve semen quality by nocturnal scrotal cooling and moderate behavioral change to reduce genital heat stress in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Reproduction. 2001 Apr;121(4):595-603. doi: 10.1530/rep.0.1210595. PMID: 11277880.
- Uvnäs-Moberg K, Handlin L, Petersson M. Self-soothing behaviors with reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12;5:1529. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529. PMID: 25628581; PMCID: PMC429053
