Doctor reveals reason why everyone should be sleeping naked - it has surprising health benefits
A top doctor has revealed the surprising benefits to sleeping naked—and why everyone should be doing it.
Sleeping in the buff could give you a better night's kip, reduce the risk of genital infections, boost male fertility and lead to a stronger connection with your partner.
According to sleep medicine physician Dr David Rosen, the benefits lie with the cooling effect of ditching pyjamas.
A cooler body temperature is needed at night to help achieve adequate balance of naturally-produced hormones that promote sleep, such as meatonin.
If skin temperature is too high—which usually happens in a room above 21 degrees celcius— this can disrupt hormones to the extent it prevents us from reaching the deepest, most restorative levels of sleep.
'Keeping cool at night is a simple way to improve sleep quality,' said Dr Rosen, who works with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
'For those who prefer to sleep with a thick and warm comforter, sleeping naked is a good way to counterbalance that extra warmth.'
Another benefit of sleeping in the nude is a reduced risk of a nasty vaginal yeast infections, otherwise known as thrush.
One night of poor sleep causes your brain to function at a slower rate, impacting concentration. Puffy eyes are also common, along with a difficulty to stay alert and the tendency to react negatively to situations you wouldn't normally do so
The fungus can thrive in warm, moist environments, such as pyjama bottoms, as the fabric interacts with the gentials, according to a medical report co-authored by Dr Rosen.
The infection—an overgrowth of Candida yeast— causes pain and itching, and is often due to tight underwear or other clothing.
Aring the intimate area helps to stop fungus from thriving.
Men should also avoid tight-fighting garments in bed, as it could impact male fertility, according to Dr Rosen.
Research suggests that snug briefs could increase the temperature of the scrotum, which can decrease sperm vitality and count.
There is evidence that a cool scrotum directly impacts sperm motility, helping it to reach the egg for fertilisation.
Couples could also benefit as it may increase feelings of connection due to skin-to-skin contact, which leads to the release of the 'love' hormone oxytocin.
Studies show that the chemical can reduce stress, as well as boost feelings of happiness and contentment.
It follows a 2024 survey of 20,000 people worldwide that revealed 20 per cent of Britons choose to sleep in the nude.
While seven in ten women opt to wear pyjamas to bed, men are more likely to sleep in their underwear or nothing at all, with more than 22 per cent choosing to sleep naked.
This is most prevalent among those 50-years-old and above, with more than 32 per cent of this age group opting to sleep without clothes, according to research by bed and mattress brand Sealy.
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