Sleeping Naked

The chances are good you have a whole drawer full of sweatpants, old t-shirts, and perhaps even cute pajama sets. But have you ever considered ditching them? If you do, you wouldn’t be alone.

Compared to any other age group, millennials are the most likely to ditch their clothes when it comes to bedtime, according to a 2018 survey by Mattress Advisor, and 54 percent of respondents of all age groups said doing so was more comfortable than sleeping clothed. While there are a number of reasons why people opt to sleep in the buff — up to and including a potential desire for freedom after a long day of wearing skinny jeans —  there’s no doubt that it has its benefits. And it’s reaching other generations as well: A global study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation suggests that one in three adults overall are choosing to sleep in the nude.

Whether this is something you’re already doing or something you’ve never considered, here are a few relational benefits that stem from sleeping naked, whether by yourself or with your partner:

Top Partnered Benefits

1. More Sex

Though the research on this is somewhat inconsistent, respondents to the Mattress Advisor survey who slept naked with their partner had up to twice the amount of sex as their clothed counterparts. In a way, it makes sense: Sleeping naked may mean fewer inhibitions about being naked with your partner — though you should always ask for and confirm consent, no matter what someone is or isn’t wearing.

2. More Cuddling

Partners who sleep naked together tend to huddle together for warmth instead of relying on blankets or clothing, Psychology Today noted. The result? “Cuddle time” is automatically built into your nightly routine. 

3. More Bonding Hormones

It has long been known that skin-to-skin contact causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone which has been associated with trust, generosity, interpersonal connection, wound healing, decreased inflammation, and protection against depression. It is possible that a nightly dose of oxytocin could have a substantial positive impact on the other areas of your life.

But wait — even if you aren’t comfortable sleeping naked with someone else, there are many benefits to sleeping naked alone.

Top Solo Benefits

1. Stress Reduction

A better night’s sleep may mean the difference between a good mood and a bad mood the next morning. Fifty-eight percent of respondents to the Mattress Advisor survey said that sleeping naked was more relaxing than sleeping with clothes on, which could help your sleep session in the long run.

2. Reduced Risk Of Yeast Infection

If you have a vagina, this is for you: “Letting things breathe” might actually be sound medical advice. “You really should sleep without underwear if you're prone to vaginal issues,” Nancy Herta, M.D., an ob-gyn at Michigan State University, told Glamour.

3. Better Sleep

Reducing body temperature by as little as one degree Celsius may decrease the amount of time you typically need to fall asleep, as well as the number of times you wake up throughout the night. That temperature regulation can be much harder to do in your fuzzy onesie.

Understandably, sleeping naked can feel awkward if you aren’t used to it. But then again, you won’t know until you try! You might benefit from shaking up a routine every once in a while. If nothing else, I would encourage you to try something new — and maybe become more comfortable in your own skin in the process!

References

1. Neal, Brandi. “How Many People Sleep Naked? A Survey Found That Two-Thirds Of Millennials Don't Sleep In Pajamas.” Bustle, Bustle, 8 Sept. 2018, www.bustle.com/p/how-many-people-sleep-naked-a-survey-found-that-two-thirds-of-millennials-dont-sleep-in-pajamas-11848114. 
2. Breus, Michael J. “Why You Should Be Sleeping in the Nude.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 24 Aug. 2015, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201508/why-you-should-be-sleeping-in-the-nude.
3. Miller, Korin. “Why This Common Bedtime Habit Is Bad for Your Vagina.” Glamour, 17 Apr. 2019, www.glamour.com/story/why-you-shouldnt-wear-underwear-to-bed. 
4. “12 Health Benefits of Sleeping Naked: Ditch Your Bedclothes (Tonight!).” The Good Body, 29 Mar. 2020,www.thegoodbody.com/benefits-of-sleeping-naked/

Images

1. Alina Kurson
2. PigeonPie
3. Mariana Montrazils