7 Surprising Benefits You Didn’t Know About Sleeping in the Nude

Almost one-third of French people sleep nude, according to survey data, and many people elsewhere do too. Sleeping in the buff can feel great, and it may help you stay cool at night. Don’t worry. We’re not asking you to ditch your new weighted blanket or trade in that luxurious latex hybrid mattress you just splurged on.

Not at all! Just slip out of those pajamas (like the French) and see if these benefits of sleeping in the nude work for you.

1) Sleeping in the Nude Helps You Regulate Body Temperature

Sleeping in the nude may help you stay cooler at night. Your core body temperature naturally drops as you fall asleep, and heavy or tight clothing can trap heat.

Research on the thermal environment and sleep shows that being too warm in bed increases wakefulness and reduces deep and REM sleep. That’s why so much sleepwear you see is loose-fitting and baggy.

Going without pajamas is one way to avoid overheating, along with a cool bedroom and breathable bedding. Staying comfortable can make it easier to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep you need. If you get cold at night, though, warm sleepwear may help you sleep better.

2) Sleeping in the Nude Forces You to Take Bed Linens Seriously

If you’ve committed to sleeping in the nude, you quickly realize it’s not as easy as it might sound. You need comfortable, breathable bed linens, or else you won’t get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there is an upside to this challenge.

First, it forces you to take your bed linens seriously and choose wisely when shopping. Look for soft, breathable sheets made of natural materials like cotton, bamboo-based fabrics or linen. Fiber and weave matter more than a high thread count. Comfortable sheets against your bare skin can make your bed more inviting.

3) Sleeping in the Nude Saves You Money on Sleepwear and Laundry

One advantage of sleeping nude is that it can save you money on sleepwear and laundry. Without purchasing or laundering sleepwear, you can save a little time and money. Just plan to wash your sheets more often, since they now absorb all the sweat and skin oils.

And you can invest that money on other sleep essentials, like a cooling weighted blanket to help you rest even better.

4) Sleeping in the Nude Improves Skin Health

Some people say sleeping in the nude makes their skin feel better. The idea is that skin stays drier and cooler without clothing, which may reduce sweat buildup.

There is little research on this. If you have eczema or psoriasis, overheating and sweat can be triggers, so staying cool may help, but follow your dermatologist's advice. Clean sheets matter more than what you wear.

5) Sleeping in the Nude Boosts Your Self-Esteem

Some people find that sleeping in the nude boosts their self-esteem. Some find that sleeping without clothes on can help them feel more comfortable and at ease in their own skin. There is no research proving this, but it may help some people.

For some, being comfortable without clothes may help them feel more connected to their bodies and less judgmental about body image.

If it makes you feel more relaxed and confident, that's a good enough reason to try it.

6) Sleeping in the Nude Makes Mornings More Enjoyable

Believe it or not, sleeping in the nude can make your mornings much brighter. Imagine waking up without any fabric twisted around you, feeling free and unencumbered. After you finish a peaceful sleep, you don’t have to go through the cumbersome task of rearranging restrictive clothing.

Instead, all you need is to slip on your favorite weighted robe so you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee as you rejoin the world of the awake. That’s more than enough to give you a pleasant start to your day, rather than being bogged down by layers of fabric first thing in the morning.

7) Sleeping in the Nude Helps You Sleep Better

Finally, sleeping in the nude may help you sleep better if it keeps you from overheating. A slight drop in body temperature is part of how your body falls asleep, and heat is one of the most common causes of restless nights.

There's no evidence that sleeping naked boosts melatonin. Darkness is what signals your body to release it. Your overall sleep habits, like a consistent schedule and a dark, cool room, matter most. So there’s no need to feel guilty about turning in for bed with no clothes on if it feels good to you.

Sweet Nude Dreams!

Sleeping in the nude is a simple, free way to stay cool and comfortable at night, and plenty of people enjoy it.

Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks on PJs or simply sleep cooler, sleeping without clothes may be worth a try. If you still sleep poorly most nights, talk with a health care provider. Sweet dreams await!

Sources

• Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm, Journal of Physiological Anthropology (PMC)
• About Sleep, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention