Article at a Glance:
- Sleep Comfortably
- Helps Small Wounds Heal Faster
- Helps With Disease Risk
- Better sexual health
- Cut down on cravings
- Lessen stress
- Boost confidence
Sleeping Naked - Some people sleep in pajamas. Some people sleep in nightgowns. Then there are those who sleep naked. While it may be more comfortable -- no bunched or twisted clothes to worry about, for example -- sleeping naked can also have some health benefits. Here’s what one can expect from sleeping commando.
Sleep comfortably
When you sleep naked, it’s easier to stay cool, as one’s body temperature is important in falling asleep. Your body temperature is connected to your circadian rhythm, the natural sleep-wake cycle that automatically tells you when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Findings from a study at the University of Amsterdam show that lowering one’s temperature helps boost the depth of sleep and even curtails the number of times one suddenly wakes up. Stripping down and sleeping naked is a great approach to having one’s skin and body temperature at the correct degrees.
Tip: The perfect temperature for your bedroom is 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Having a cooler environment will help one fall asleep and having better sleep at night.
Helps small wounds heal faster
According to a small study, lack of sleep can slow down the healing of small wounds in the skin. The study had three groups of participants: those who were sleep deprived, those who got the right amount of sleep, and those who were sleep deprived but were given extra nutrients. It was observed that the group that received the right amount of sleep healed faster than the other two groups. That’s why getting more sleep and improving sleep quality, even through sleeping naked, can be a smart option.
Helps with disease risk
A study in 2010 found a link between sleep deprivation and increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, improving overall sleep quality by sleeping naked may impact health factors associated with lack of sleep.
Another study carried out at the University of Rochester found that the brain detaches toxic proteins from the neurons during sleep. So, having a good night’s sleep (albeit in your birthday suit) can aid your brain in helping to remove these toxic proteins.
A study showed that men who keep their testicles cool by wearing boxers had a 25 percent higher sperm count than men who wore tighter fitting underwear. What else keeps testes cool? Sleeping naked.
Better sexual health
If you are sleeping with your partner, having skin to skin contact in the nude can add an extra feeling of intimacy to cuddling and spooning. Skin to skin contact also helps release oxytocin, a hormone that helps regulate one’s libido.
Sleeping naked also makes a difference with one’s, uh, nether regions. Wearing undies can box in moisture, letting bacteria grow. Going commando gives the genitals several hours to be exposed to dry air.
When it comes to fertility, a study showed that men who keep their testicles cool by wearing boxers had a 25 percent higher sperm count than men who wore tighter fitting underwear. What else keeps testes cool? Sleeping naked.
Cut down on cravings
When one’s cortisol levels are high -- often from lack of sleep -- one tends to crave or indulge in fatty, sugar-rich food. A three-year study on more than 21,000 participants sought to find the connection between sleep and gaining weight. The study found that those who slept for five hours or less were prone to gain a few pounds. Which means that getting adequate is key, and sleeping naked can be a difference-maker.
Research has implied that spending time in the nude helps develop self-esteem and a better body image. It all comes down to embracing one’s self and having self-love.
Lessen stress
Of course, not having adequate and even poor sleep has a big impact on one’s stress levels. In fact, there are studies showing an association between poor sleep and depression. Stress and anxiety can also lead to insomnia, making sleep quality all the more critical. And sleeping naked can be another tool to help one relax.
Also, having a good night’s rest can help one focus. This is because of the continuous, deep REM sleep. This sleep phase is important for mood regulation, memory processing, and cognitive functioning. Thus, it is always better to go to sleep and stay asleep without disruptions. Sleeping without clothes helps the body cool down, making restful sleep more likely.
Boost confidence
Research has implied that spending time in the nude helps develop self-esteem and a better body image. In some cases, it may even help you feel sexier. It all comes down to embracing one’s self and having self-love.
With all the benefits of sleeping naked, it’s important to remember that restful sleep starts with feeling comfortable, no matter what you wear. This way you know that you are getting a good night’s rest.