In summer, heat can make it difficult to fall asleep.
For some people, the simplest solution is to sleep naked instead of wearing pajamas.
Why do some people sleep naked?
In most cases, choosing to sleep in the nude depends on personal preference, Dr. Carla Manly, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert, told Weekly newspaper.
“Due to body heat, some people prefer to sleep naked. Others tend to enjoy naked sleep because there is no tightness in pajamas.
“For some people, the pure emotional and physical freedom brought about by naked sleeping can bring the deepest and most peaceful sleep. Moreover, for those with a partner, skin-to-skin sleep can bring a kind of fragility. , A sense of loving connection,” she explained.
Although this may seem like a trivial matter, she said that ignoring this preference itself can lead to sleep disturbances.
“People who like to sleep naked feel restrained or claustrophobic when wearing pajamas. On the other hand, people who like to wear pajamas—whether it’s pajamas, pajamas, or underwear—feel so vulnerable when they are naked, so that their sleep is affected. interference.”
Can sleeping naked help me fall asleep faster?
Katherine Hall, a sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, added that body temperature plays a vital role in sleep.
“In the normal human circadian rhythm, sleep occurs when the core temperature drops. This temperature drop starts about two hours before you fall asleep and coincides with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.”
Getty Images
Sleeping naked can keep your body cool, let you fall asleep faster, and even have better sleep quality.
“A lower body temperature sends a signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep. Also, since better sleep quality is associated with a lower body temperature, sleeping naked is definitely a factor,” Dr. Manley said.
What are the benefits of sleeping naked?
In addition to falling asleep faster, sleeping naked has many other benefits, including reduced stress levels and deeper, more restorative rest.
“Sleep and stress are complementary,” said Alex Savy, a certified sleep coach and founder of SleepingOcean.
“Improving the quality of sleep usually reduces stress. And because naked sleeping can help users rest better, it may also have a positive effect on a person’s stress level.”
Hall added: “This slight drop in body temperature can cause our body to slow down our heart rate, breathing rate and digestion-allowing our body to enter the perfect rhythm for optimal sleep.
“Research also shows that keeping the body cool can provide a deeper level of non-rapid eye movement [Non-rapid eye movement] Sleep, which means more energetic sleep. “
This better sleep quality will bring more physical benefits, as Dr. Manley continues: “Given that naked sleep is associated with better overall sleep, the physical benefits of improved sleep include improved brain health, reduced heart disease and diabetes. , Reduce weight gain, and improve the ability to concentrate.”
Sleepline co-founder Robert Pagano (Robert Pagano) added that sleeping naked can improve vein function.
He said: “Science has found that when we are exposed to the air instead of heat sinks such as clothes, our skin increases blood flow, thereby reducing inflammation.”
Getty Images
Dr. Manly explained that naked sleeping also has many benefits for sexual health, as it is usually associated with improved male fertility and better vaginal health.
Hall agreed and added: “Wearing underwear at night, especially in summer, can create an environment where yeast can multiply because yeast likes to grow in warm places. Therefore, sleeping naked can allow vagina to breathe.”
According to Dr. Manley, when sleeping naked next to your partner, skin-to-skin contact will cause your body to release hormones, thereby promoting your bond.
“When hugging a partner naked, the oxytocin hormone-often referred to as the’hug hormone’-usually surges and contributes to happiness.”
Getty Images
As Savi explained, it can also do wonders for your self-esteem: “Research shows that spending more time without clothes, including sleeping, can help people ignore Unrealistic ideas for a perfect body Instead, get used to and accept their own body. “
If I sleep naked, should I change the sheets more frequently?
Generally speaking, whether you sleep naked or in pajamas, you should change your sheets once a week.
Hall said that when you sleep naked, your bed will gather dead skin cells, natural body oils and even feces.
“It is wise to take a shower before going to bed or change the sheets more frequently,” Dr. Manley added.
If you sweat a lot or have sex in bed, you should also change your bedding more frequently.
Regarding which fabric should be used for bed sheets when sleeping naked, Dr. Manly recommends the use of natural fibers such as cotton.
Pagano added: “People who sleep naked usually prefer more breathable materials such as linen or bamboo when choosing bed sheets, but this is actually a matter of personal preference.”
When is it a bad idea to sleep naked?
As Dr. Manley said, sleeping in a birthday suit is not for everyone. If you prefer to sleep in some form of clothing, then sleeping naked may actually be harmful to your sleep.
If you are doing what is best for your body and mind, you will most likely fall asleep faster than if you did not.
“For those who like to sleep in pajamas, being naked can actually hinder healthy sleep.
“In fact, it depends a lot on personal preference; if you are doing what is best for your body and mind, you may fall asleep faster than when you are not doing it,” she said.
In cool weather, sleeping naked may also make it difficult to fall asleep, or even worse sleep quality.
“A room that is too cold, below 53.6 degrees, will first make it difficult to fall asleep, and may lead to more unpleasant and emotional dreams.”
If you are too cold, it may be wise to put on some pajamas.
