I’ve never been a big fan of fancy nightgowns or bedtime lingerie. They might be pretty, and I’m sure my boyfriend would appreciate the effort, but for me, slumber is about comfort. I rotate through my collection of three well-worn yoga pant and T-shirt sets, and I look forward to deglamming when it’s time to crash. But recently it has been suggested to me that my jammies might be standing in the way of a perfectly uninterrupted, eight-hour hibernation. In fact, there’s actual evidence that snoozing in our birthday suits can benefit our mental, physical and sexual health. Here’s the lowdown on why you might want to disrobe before you doze.
Apparently, temperature can have a huge effect on the quality of our sleep. A 2012 study from the National Institutes of Health found that the temperature of the room where you sleep is one of the most important factors in achieving quality sleep. Hot flashes aside, the ideal environment for bedtime is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Losing the pj’s will help lower your body temp and raise the quality of your REM cycle. In short, sleeping in the buff helps you sleep better. We’re colder naked, and feeling cold can create a biological cue for the body to fall asleep. This can be a big help to insomniacs who tend to run hot. Hopefully, your body will read the room (if the room is cool) and take the hint that it’s time to chillax.
Literally.
A 2018 study from the Journal Of Happiness Studies found that spending more time naked improved self-esteem and body image (by forcing us to get comfortable without clothes) while also helping to overcome unrealistic cultural standards. And since most of us can’t be au naturel during the day (that is, if we want to keep our jobs and friends and stay out of jail), getting naked before hitting the sheets is the perfect time for a little exercise in self-acceptance. While we’re disrobing for the sake of mental health, let’s not forget that high quality sleep reduces stress and improves overall mood. A 2015 study from the Journals of Gerontology showed a direct relationship between sleep and stress levels.
Regular, deep sleep is also a plus for your physical health. A 2012 systematic review from the Obesity Society linked inadequate sleep to weight gain. Getting seven to nine hours of z’s is associated with achieving a healthier weight, which is important for preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, depression and more. If sleeping naked can help us feel better about our bodies and boost the quality of deep sleep that’s so important for enhanced metabolism and overall health, it might just be the fountain of beauty … or perceived beauty … we’ve all been searching for. It’s all in the well-rested eye of the beholder.
Ditching your undies before hitting the hay is also great for vaginal health as well as male fertility. Sleeping in tight panties increases the risk of developing a yeast infection, and constrictive briefs can have a negative impact on a man’s sperm count by raising the temperature down under. Going commando keeps you cool, which is great for sexual health. And let’s not forget the more obvious sexual benefits to hitting the sack unclad. A 2015 study from Frontiers in Psychology explored the soothing benefits of skin to skin contact. Increasing the chances of skin-on-skin contact by removing those pesky pj’s is a sure way to enhance intimacy, which in turn reduces stress, which is also great for both mental and physical health. … See the pattern?
Sleeping naked can be beneficial for our bodies, our minds and our relationships. Besides, the summer temperatures are rising. And think of all the extra room in your suitcase the next time you travel without having to pack your pajamas! It just might be time to give slumbering sans apparel a try.
Hye Jin Chung
