Is Sleeping Naked Better for Your Health?

Is Sleeping Naked Better for Your Health?

When you’re crawling under the covers tonight, should you think twice about putting on your favorite pajamas?

A National Sleep Foundation poll reports that 12% of Americans sleep au naturel and studies are mixed on whether what you wear to bed matters. We waded through the research to provide some answers on the supposed benefits of sleeping in the buff.

SLEEPING NAKED COULD …

… Improve Your Relationship

For couples, sleeping naked could increase relationship satisfaction. A survey of more than 1,000 adults found 57% of those who slept naked felt happy in their relationships (compared with 48% who wore pajamas).

“If you and partner both sleep naked, the skin-to-skin contact will release the feel-good hormone [oxytocin],” says Fran Walfish, PsyD, a Beverly Hills, California-based relationship psychotherapist.

Research shows even non-sexual contact with the skin boosts levels of oxytocin. The hormone, also released during sex, is associated with lower levels of depression, stress and reduced blood pressure.

… Improve Your Sleep

Feeling overheated makes it harder to get a good night’s rest. Researchers at the University of Amsterdam found increasing skin temperature just 0.4º Celsius was linked with worsened insomnia and increased nighttime waking.

“You do sleep better if you’re cooler,” explains Dr. Daniel Root, a sleep specialist and medical director at Oregon Sleep Associates.

But layers are important to prevent heat loss, so Root suggests having an extra blanket on the bed in case you catch a chill. Performance sleepwear and sheets made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics can also help regulate your body temperature.

… Preserve Sperm Quality

In a 2015 study, researchers tracked 501 couples for 12 months to assess links between underwear choice and sperm quality. The data showed men who wore boxers during the day and slept naked had better overall sperm quality and higher fertility than those who chose tighter-fitting underwear, like briefs.

The connection relates to temperature, notes Root. When the testicles are too warm, it’s harder to make good sperm. Sleeping in briefs, he notes, keeps the testicles snug against the body, increasing the temperature. Sleeping naked — or wearing boxers — gives testicles more room to move, thus improving sperm quality.

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Most Helpful Guys

  • Really interesting myTake.
    I remember reading some of the benefits that sleeping naked has, and you made me learn a few new ones.
    Maybe I should try, but I admit it feels to me a bit uncomfortable and I'm not sure I'd easily catch sleep.
    Still, I will try sometimes.

  • We slept naked quite often. We both like the intimacy but we end up pulling the comforter over us since it gets quite cold in the mornings.

    • Thanks for MHO.

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What Girls & Guys Said

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  • Yes, everything I have read on it suggests that there are more benefits to sleeping naked, and it is just more comfortable. Who wants to get tangled in their clothes when they are sleeping?