Some people believe sleeping naked helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
However, before now, researchers haven’t directly studied these potential benefits of sleeping nude.
If sleeping naked helps you receive the recommended amount of sleep each night, then it’s worth trying.
Now, research suggests that sleeping naked may potentially positively impact reproductive health, connection with a partner, and self-esteem.
Currently, there isn’t much scientific research studying the effects of sleeping nude, or reliable data on what percentage of people in the U.S. sleep naked.
Some studies do provide insight into the potential benefits of sleeping naked, however.
Potentially Improved Sleep
Our bodies are regulated by our circadian rhythm, which cycles through heating and cooling patterns throughout the day.
As we begin to feel tired at the end of the day, our melatonin production increases and our core body temperature decreases.
This decrease in body temperature continues throughout the night.
The optimal room temperature for sleep ranges from around 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and is key to sleeping well.
Becoming too warm at night interferes with sleep.
For this reason, some people believe sleeping nude can help your body achieve a cooler core temperature faster and promote better sleep.
Researchers haven’t directly studied the effect sleeping nude has on sleep. However, if you decide to try sleeping naked, make sure you have comfortable bedding.
Like heat, cold can also negatively affect sleep quality.
Researchers found that those who slept semi-nude were more susceptibl to changes in the ambient temperature unless they also had adequate bed covers that they could use throughout the night to keep them from becoming too cold.
Vaginal Health
Sleeping naked may help keep Candida yeast from flourishing in the vagina.
An overgrowth of Candida causes a yeast infection which may inflame the mucous membrane of the vagina, causing pain and itching.
The risk of yeast infections is often increased by inadequate air circulation, commonly due to tight or synthetic underwear.
Avoiding tight or ill-fitting underwear while you sleep can contribute to overall better vaginal health.
Skin Health
Sleep can impact your skin’s health and appearance.
When you are fatigued and not getting enough sleep, your skin is more susceptible to wrinkles, drooping, swelling, and dark circles under your eyes.
Delayed or reduced sleep also impacts your skin’s ability to heal wounds, like cuts or blisters.
If sleeping naked helps you sleep better, then it will also improve the health of your skin.
More sleep gives your skin time to regenerate and repair any wounds, helping you look and feel your best.
That said, no studies have been conducted yet on how sleeping nude affects skin.
Male Fertility
Sleeping naked may positively impact male fertility, though it hasn’t been directly studied.
Research suggests that wearing tight-fitting underwear increases the temperature of the scrotum, which can decrease sperm vitality and count.
For this reason, wearing boxers versus tighter fitting underwear may impact the concentration of sperm in men.
Additionally, there is evidence that scrotal cooling directly impacts sperm health and motility.
Read more: S3x: 5 Reasons Men Release Too Quickly
Sleeping naked can help you keep your body temperature cooler.
Although research on sleeping naked is needed to draw valid conclusions, past research suggests the cooling associated with sleeping nude might increase sperm health.