Sleeping naked may be a point of contention for you. Like, what if there is a fire or a break-in and then your caught completely in the nude. However, there may be many benefits to cuddling in the sheets without clothes on that can put those fears to rest. Continue reading to learn why sleeping naked may be the best hack you've tried to date.
Going to bed naked can help you fall asleep faster. Going to sleep requires you to be cool, in a dark environment, and in a quiet space. However, sometimes, we delay our bodies' natural sleep signals by exposing ourselves to blue light, staying up on our phones, a late meal or workout, etc.
Therefore, in order to trigger that melatonin release required for a good night's rest, removing clothes and cuddling under the sheets could cool our body down to the point where we are ready to go to sleep. It can also induce a sense of calm that is required for better quality sleep.
A study in 2012 found that sleeping in warm climates and pajamas decreased the amount of slow-wave and REM sleep. Both of these stages are important for feeling refreshed after sleep, restoration, muscle repair, and enhancement of memory. Without these two stages, you may feel groggy and unrested in the morning.
Therefore, again, by removing clothing, you can decrease the temperature of your body and make it easier for your body to remain cool throughout the night. Less clothing could mean increased sleep quality and better temperature control.
Light, breathable pajamas can be an alternative to sleeping nude, but not all of the pajamas are created equally. There are some clothing items that could restrict natural movement and compress the body throughout the night. Even nighties or something sheer can get bunched up and create a point that digs into your side. Or, it can even cause binding around parts of your body, which can actually impact your melatonin production.
Melatonin is key in regulating your sleep-wake cycle, therefore, if you don't want this to be altered, then it's important to think about sleeping in the nude.
When you don't wear clothing, your skin has the ability to breathe. This can help with healing and decrease perspiration at night. Excessive sweating can be a cause of insomnia, or trouble sleeping. During menopause, night sweats are common. Therefore, in order to avoid this issue, it is important to create a breathable environment for your skin.
Not only can you ease the amount of sweating, but you avoid wearing uncomfortable clothing that can cause rashes, breakouts, and other skin inflammation. All of these are both uncomfortable and can create some insecurities.
Vaginal health can be disturbed by wearing tight, non-breathable underwear. These fabrics can create an environment suitable for the overgrowth of irritating bacteria. This is especially true when wearing synthetic materials, like nylon or lace. There is less of a chance for yeast or other bacteria to get trapped when you sleep naked and have let the air circulate around you.
Sleeping naked is not only better for women, but also for men. If you are trying to have a baby, and are struggling with fertility, it may be due to the compression of testicles in underwear. Testicles need to be cooler than the rest of the body in order for sperm to properly form. Therefore, if you sleep naked, they can freely fall away from the body and remain their cooler temperature.
Not wearing underwear also decreases the risk for sweating, itchiness, or irritation.
Being naked around your partner does not have to be reserved for sex only. Being naked and cuddling to sleep can improve intimacy and trigger the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin can improve sleep and connection between you and your partner.
Also, nudity can lead to an improved sex life as you learn to be more open with your partner. There's no more hiding your body from one another.
Sleeping naked can not only improve your relationship with your partner, but also with yourself. It can boost your self-confidence. Without clothes, you may feel a bit more free and help you learn to love your body. When you look at your body all the time and learn to let it be, you can improve your own self-confidence. The best place to learn to be comfortable in your own skin might as well be your bed.
Sleeping naked may not be for everyone. Even after reading this article, you may still not be ready to take that step. But, the overall goal is to improve your sleep. If sleeping in the nude does not do that, then there are other steps you may take to try and improve your sleep.
Create and maintain a sleep-friendly bedtime routine that can help you switch from active to relax mode.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that are made of natural, soft fibers. Breathable cotton and linen is beneficial.
Make sure your sleeping environment and bedding are both comfortable and heat-releasing. You can even improve the circulation by sleeping with a fan or opening the windows.
Practice good skin care by exfoliating to remove dead skin, and showering before bed to keep your sheets clean. Showering can also help trigger the decrease in temperature that your body needs for going to sleep.
If you are ready to take the dive, then here are some steps that fan help you.
Take a shower before bed so that way you feel super clean in your sheets. Also, invest in new sheets so that you are sleeping on comfortable fabrics that feel good against your skin. If you aren't ready to fully dive into the nude, then start with an oversized t-shirt or just underwear. Whenever you're ready, you can make the full transition. And finally, keep a blanket nearby so that way you can keep yourself warm during colder weather.
If you try different lifestyle approaches, and still have trouble sleeping, then the issue could be deeper. Please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.
https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/sleeping-naked