You may have heard that sleeping nude is freeing, leads to better sleep, and brings about a healthier mind and body. But, how true is this? Is there some merit to these claims, or is it purely a personal preference? According to some sleep medicine experts, it might be both.
Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., specializes in helping patients get a better night’s rest at his Sacramento, CA, dental office. From sleep apnea to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), Dr. Mickiewicz and his team are here to help you get the refreshing slumber that you need to thrive. If you’re ready to start sleeping better, then schedule your appointment by calling (916) 469-9178 or by contacting us online.
In the meantime, let our team address some of the naked myths and truths about sleeping nude. You might be surprised at the difference clothes can make in your sleep quality!
Does sleeping nude…?
Whether by word-of-mouth or by scientifically-backed research, the claim that sleeping nude is better for you has been circulating for centuries. It’s time we put these claims to rest by answering common questions about this age-old claim.
Does sleeping nude help you fall asleep faster?
Many people claim that going to bed nude helps them get to sleep faster, but there is little evidence to support this claim. Many experts believe that the absence of pajamas might allow more airflow over exposed skin, which lowers the body’s thermostat. And when our bodies are cooler, our circadian rhythm regulates and allows us to fall asleep better and faster.
However, sleepers can get the same result by keeping their bedroom temperature frosty. Sleep experts state that a bedroom temperature between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for restful slumber.
Does sleeping nude help your sleep quality?
There are several factors that can influence sleep quality, and clothing might be one of them. Aside from lowering our internal thermostat, the absence of clothing might help some people feel like they can move more freely as they sleep. In turn, this might reduce their tendency to toss and turn at night.
But, there really isn’t any solid evidence proving the veracity of this claim. According to the Sleep Foundation, the primary factors that influence sleep quality the most include:
- Age
- Physical and mental health standing
- Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea
- Diet
- Drug and alcohol use
- Work schedule
- Sleeping environment (i.e. noisy or quiet)
These factors have the largest impact on sleep quality. However, some people may get better sleep when they don’t feel restricted by clothes.
Does sleeping nude reduce yeast infections?
Many women claim that sleeping in their birthday suits helps them combat vaginal yeast infections, and they might be right. Yeast love warm, moist environments (like the vagina), and when these microbes get stuck in one place (like unbreathable underwear), then they can multiply very rapidly. In turn, many women end up with an uncomfortable yeast infection.
Sleeping without underwear can help get airflow to a normally covered and damp area of the body. Increased airflow can limit the amount of yeast and bacteria in and around the vagina, which reduces the risk of yeast infections.
But, while it is completely safe to sleep sans undies, many gynecological experts believe that wearing breathable underwear (like cotton underwear) can keep the vagina just as dry and cool. So, the choice is up to you!
Does sleeping nude help with male fertility?
If you’re trying to start a family, then it might be worth sleeping in the nude. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, men who allow their testes to breathe and move freely have a 25% higher concentration of sperm compared to men who don’t. So, sleeping naked might enhance male fertility and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
It is worth mentioning, though, that experts believe sleeping in boxers rather than tight-fitting briefs can deliver the same results as sleeping nude. Again, the choice is up to you!
Does sleeping nude keep my skin healthy?
Dozing nude may have some skin-health benefits. For example, people with certain skin conditions (like eczema or psoriasis) may feel as if pajamas are too irritating on their skin while they sleep. These people should opt to slumber in the buff, as clothing could be keeping them from getting sufficient rest.
Although they may not have skin issues, some people maintain that clothing is too restrictive to get peaceful zzz’s at night. And when our sleep quality is poor, it can raise our cortisol levels. In turn, our skin becomes dull. So, if sleeping nude means better sleep quality for you, then ditch the clothes and embrace bare!
Does sleeping nude help my mental health?
Sleeping nude–particularly with a partner–might be one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Studies show that snoozing next to your partner in the nude may unleash a wave of “feel good” hormones created by skin-on-skin contact. These hormones (like oxytocin) help us feel less stressed and more connected to our partners. As a result, our mood and mental health vastly improve.
But, don’t forget–getting too hot before or during sleep can have negative effects on sleep quality. One study found that skin-to-skin contact can raise the body’s core temperature by up to 1.26 degrees Fahrenheit. It may not seem like much, but it is enough to make a major impact on most circadian rhythms.
So, what if you sleep nude but avoid skin-to-skin contact with your partner? Experts believe that sleeping naked might help people build a more loving and positive relationship with their own bodies.
What’s the verdict?
Ultimately, the choice to snooze in the nude is entirely up to you. While sleeping in the buff may have some merit, it truly boils down to your comfort and preference. However, there are other ways to get a better night’s sleep, such as:
- Addressing sleep apnea, bruxism, and TMDs with Dr. Mickiewicz
- Improving your diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding tobacco products, alcohol, and recreational drugs
Schedule a Sleep Medicine Consultation
If you’re ready to finally get rejuvenating rest, then it’s time to talk to Dr. Mickiewicz. A sleep medicine consultation with our Sacramento dentist will help you get the peaceful slumber you deserve.
Get started by calling our office at (916) 469-9178 or by contacting us online here.
