Sleeping naked is not something one normally thinks about–you either do it or you don’t. It turns out, however, that there are health reasons for doing so. Science leaves no stone unturned, even when it comes to your position on pajamas.
1. Cooler is Better
Wearing clothing while sleeping keeps body temperature in. Sleep researchers have found that cooler room and body temperatures resulted in several positive effects, including less insulin resistance [1], reduced blood pressure,[2] and weight loss. Sometimes it’s hard to get to sleep if your feet are cold; wearing thin cotton socks may be enough to keep them warm. Once asleep, you’re more likely to stay asleep if your room and your body are cool.[3]
2. Disease Prevention
Cooler body temperature makes you sleep better and deeper, reducing your risk of diabetes.[4] Sleeping nude also promotes vaginal health by allowing ventilation–bacteria like it dark, warm, and moist.
3. Increased Intimacy
If you sleep with a partner, the skin-on-skin contact that is afforded when sleeping nude releases the hormone oxytocin. A New Hampshire study reflected that most couples who reported being happy in their relationships also sleep in their birthday suits.
Close physical contact and intimacy are important to humans physically and emotionally, reducing the risk of disease and promoting general good health.
4. Self-esteem
Regardless of whether or not you sleep alone, there’s something very sensual about the feel of the bedclothes against your skin. The contact promotes body awareness, leading to feeling better about yourself, promoting mental health.
5. Skin Health
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. While you sleep, all cells (including those of the skin) replenish and grow. Wearing fabric directly on your skin inhibits this process. The growth hormones that are released are restrained and your skin is more likely to lose elasticity and wrinkle over time. “Beauty rest” is a real thing.