While for some there is nothing better than lying in bed at night in cosy pyjamas, for others it is particularly tempting to sleep undressed. And although we would all like to rip our clothes off on hot summer nights, very few of us find it pleasant to spend the night naked.
Even though only a minority of people in our part of the world are self-confessed nude sleepers, it is actually the most natural thing in the world and was quite common in earlier times.
It was not until around 1500 that the trend of wearing a nightdress to sleep emerged in Italy’s upper classes. In the centuries that followed, this also became established here as unisex sleepwear. However, the birth of the pyjamas we know today did not occur until the 17th century, when men began to wear longer pants under their nightgowns.
Sleeping in pyjamas, a T-shirt or naked – so which is best?
Around 15% of Germans swear by going without sleepwear. In fact, sleeping in the nude has a number of advantages and even studies show that it is definitely healthier to get rid of your clothes at night.
For example, it has been proven that we fall asleep faster and sleep better through the night if we don’t sweat due to the lack of sleepwear. In addition, our body temperature automatically drops by around half a degree at night, which saves energy and allows the body to rest. Sleeping without clothes speeds up this process, which is good for our body and has been proven to improve the quality of sleep.
Cell production is also stimulated at cooler body temperatures, as the hormone melatonin can be produced in greater quantities, thus supporting the regeneration of our skin.
Sleeping in the nude can even be good for your figure, because when we don’t feel well, e.g. when we sweat or our pyjamas pinch, the body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which causes a rise in blood sugar levels. This stimulates the appetite and can lead to a build-up of belly fat.
But perhaps the most important argument of all nude sleeping fans: sleeping naked is good for the relationship and makes couples happier. Experts not only attribute this to increased emotional and erotic attraction, but also have a medical explanation. Increased skin contact leads to the release of the ‘cuddle’ or feel-good hormone oxytocin, which plays an important role in the intense bond with other people and makes you happy.
And what’s wrong with sleeping naked?
Despite all the advantages, many doctors advise wearing sleepwear as you don’t feel cold during the so-called REM phase of sleep. This increases the risk of hypothermia when sleeping naked and you can catch a cold more easily.
A piece of fabric between your skin and the duvet also makes sense for hygiene reasons. After all, even without clothing, a person exhales around half a litre of sweat every night. However, if the pyjamas remain in the wardrobe, they cannot absorb the sweat of the sleeping person. This means that what is sweated out at night ends up in the bed linen and mattress instead of in the nightdress or sleep shirt. This is why it is necessary to change the bed linen more often when sleeping naked.
So: to sleep naked or not?
Ultimately, opinions and personal preferences differ greatly when it comes to our sleepwear. However, the main thing is a good and restful night’s sleep, which means it’s best to dress the way you feel most comfortable. This is the only way to ensure that you wake up the next day feeling rested and refreshed.
