Going pajama-free is a trend. According to a study by online mattress company Casper, 28.5 percent of Americans surveyed said they sleep naked, either daily, weekly, monthly, or occasionally. The remaining 71.5 percent said they never go to bed without clothes on.
Going to bed naked this summer might not be as cool as you think.
It’s safe to say that sleeping naked isn’t uncommon, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s not always the best choice. As with any trend, there are some downsides you should be aware of, especially if you tend to sweat or have sensitive skin. Below, we explain why you might want to rethink your sleepwear and switch to pajamas this summer.
Also, find out how to sleep cool without air conditioning and our favorite sleep accessories to beat the heat.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sleep Naked
When it’s sweltering outside, sleeping naked can seem like a great way to cool down. While it can certainly provide relief in the moment, try to keep these things in mind before you strip down this summer.
Learn more: Best mattress
Hygiene problems
Every night, your sheets, pillows, and mattress accumulate dust, oil, dead skin, and sweat (which is why it’s important to clean them regularly). You can’t prevent this, but you can slow it down by wearing clothes to bed instead of sleeping naked.
Need another hygiene-related reason to cover up at night? According to Michigan-based plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn, the average person farts up to 25 times a day, and if it happens at night, the expelled feces can end up on your sheets. Wearing underwear, he says, can help prevent those particles from spreading to your bed. (One important caveat: Youn notes that gynecologists sometimes advise women to sleep without underwear for the sake of their vaginal health. If this applies to you, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.)
Regardless of your sleepwear preferences, you’ll still need to wash your bedding at least once a week. If you sleep naked, it’s best to change your sheets every week. You can also shower at night to keep your bed cleaner, but be sure to dry your hair first, or it could lead to fungus and bacteria growing on your pillow.
It’s also essential to take care of your mattress, especially if you sleep naked. This means thoroughly vacuuming and brushing it twice a year and replacing it about every ten years.
Temperature
You might think that sleeping in your birthday suit would help you stay cool, but it can actually backfire. Wearing lightweight, breathable pajamas to bed can help wick away and absorb moisture. Sleeping naked, if you sweat, your moisture has no choice but to hit your sheets and mattress, creating a damp and uncomfortable sleeping surface.
Allergies and sensitivities
When you sleep naked, there’s no barrier between your body and your bedding, which can lead to dirt, oil, and dead skin building up faster. Not only is this gross, it can also cause health issues if you have certain allergies or sensitive skin. Here’s why.
While you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells, which attract dust mites that then feed on the dead cells. If you’re one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to dust mites, you may notice symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sneezing.
Additionally, depending on your bedding, sleeping with your skin directly against your sheets can lead to unpleasant side effects like rashes and irritation. Sleeping barefoot on certain types of sheets (like those made of polyester or other synthetic materials) isn’t recommended if you have eczema or psoriasis. Experts suggest sticking to natural, breathable fabrics (like cotton and silk) instead.
Difficulty falling asleep
For some people, being naked can be awkward and unnatural. If you go to bed without clothes, but nudity doesn’t suit you, you may have trouble falling asleep. As a result, the quality of your sleep may decrease, which could lead to irritation, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
Similarly, if you go to bed in uncomfortable clothes, you may also have trouble sleeping. When choosing your bedtime outfit, choose what makes you comfortable, whether it’s an old t-shirt, matching pajamas, or a nightgown.
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External factors and exposure
In addition to the health and hygiene risks of sleeping naked, there are also other practical aspects to consider. First of all, clothing can also serve as a protective barrier against hungry spiders and insects. It may not completely protect you from bites, but it does provide an extra layer of defense.
On a different note, going to bed naked can put you in uncomfortable situations if you have roommates, live with your children or parents, travel often, or sleepwalk. For example, things can get awkward if you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and pass someone else in the hallway.
Worse yet, in an emergency, you may not have time to get dressed before you act. This could be inconvenient or embarrassing, especially if you have to evacuate your home due to a fire or other unforeseen situation.
Too long, I didn’t read it
Sleeping naked doesn’t necessarily put you at risk for serious, life-threatening health problems, but it’s important to consider the risks associated with sleeping naked. It’s important to note that sleeping without clothes can increase the buildup of dirt and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and make your bed less hygienic.
Ultimately, the decision to wear clothes to sleep is a personal one. If you prefer to sleep naked, there is no harm in continuing to do so, but you should try to change your sheets every week to keep them free of dirt, dust, sweat, and other unpleasant messes.
