5 Ways Sleeping Naked Can Be Harmful To Your Health

Skipping pajamas is a trend. According to a survey conducted by the internet company Casper, 28.5% of Americans surveyed said they sleep naked, either daily, weekly, monthly or once in a while. . Another 71.5% said they never sleep naked.

Sleeping naked this summer might not be as fun as you think.

Obviously, sleeping naked isn’t the norm, but you might be surprised to know that it’s not always the best option. As with any method, there are some issues to be aware of, especially if you sweat or have sensitive skin. Below, we’ll explain why you might want to rethink your sleepwear and get into pajamas this summer.

Also, see how to sleep cool without AC and our favorite sleeping accessories for beating the heat.

5 reasons not to sleep naked

When it’s blustery outside, sleeping naked can seem like a good way to cool off. Although it can certainly be refreshing now, try to keep these things in mind before you wear it this summer.

Read more: The Best Mattress

Hygiene concerns

Every night, your sheets, pillows and mattress collect dust, oil, dead skin and sweat (which is why it’s important to clean them regularly). You can’t prevent this from happening, but you can reduce it by wearing clothes to bed instead of going to bed naked.

Need another hygiene-related reason to cover the night? According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon who lives in Michigan, the average person urinates about 25 times a day, and if this happens at night, the excrement can get into your sheets. She says wearing underwear can help prevent these particles from spreading to your bed. (Important note: Youn notes that gynecologists sometimes advise women to sleep without underwear for their feminine health. If that applies to you, be sure to follow the recommendation of your doctor.)

Regardless of your choice of nightwear, you’ll still want to wash your bedding at least every week. If you sleep naked, it’s best to change your sheets every week. You can also wash at night to keep your bed clean, but make sure you dry your hair first, otherwise, it can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria on your pillow.

It is also important to take care of your mattress, especially if you are a naked sleeper. This means cleaning it thoroughly and scrubbing it twice a year and replacing it every ten years or so.

The heat

You might think that sleeping in your birthday suit would help keep you cool, but it can actually work against you. Wearing light and breathable pajamas to sleep can help wick away and absorb moisture. By sleeping naked, if you sweat, your moisture has nowhere to go but the sheets and mattress, making for a damp and uncomfortable sleeping environment.

Sickness and suffering

When you sleep naked, there is no barrier between your body and your bedding, which can cause a rapid accumulation of things like dirt, oil and dead skin. This is not only a bad thing; it can cause health problems if you have certain allergies or sensitive skin. Here is the reason.

While you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells, which attract dust mites that feed on this dead skin. If you are one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to these insects, you may notice symptoms such as congestion, coughing and sneezing.

Also, depending on your bedding, sleeping with your skin directly against your sheets can lead to uncomfortable side effects such as rashes and irritation. Sleeping without clothes on certain types of sheets (such as those made of polyester or other synthetic materials) is not recommended if you have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Instead, experts suggest sticking to breathable, natural fabrics (such as cotton and silk).

Trouble sleeping

For some people, being naked can feel uncomfortable and unnatural. If you sleep naked, but being naked is uncomfortable for you, you may have trouble falling asleep. As a result, your quality of sleep can decrease, which can lead to irritability, concentration problems, and memory problems.

Similarly, if you sleep in uncomfortable clothes, you may also face sleeping problems. When choosing sleepwear, choose whatever will give you comfort, whether it’s an old T-shirt, sleepwear or a nightgown.

External factors and exposure

Aside from the hygiene and health risks of sleeping naked, there are other practical things to consider as well. First, clothing can also act as protection against hungry spiders and insects. They may not completely prevent you from being bitten, but they do provide additional protection.

On the other hand, sleeping naked can put you in some uncomfortable situations if you have roommates, live with your children or your parents, travel a lot or travel with feet. For example, things can get difficult if you’re on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night and suddenly bump into someone in the hallway.

Worse, if there is an emergency, you may not have time to get dressed before you act. That may be unusual or embarrassing, especially if you have to leave your home for a fire or other unexpected situation.

Too long; I didn’t read

Sleeping naked may not put you at risk for health problems or death, but it’s important to consider the risks involved in sleeping naked. Importantly, sleeping without clothes can increase the accumulation of dirt and dust, which can cause allergies and make your bed an unsanitary place to sleep.

Ultimately, the decision of what to wear to bed is a personal one. If you are more comfortable sleeping without clothes, there is no harm in continuing to do so, but you should be willing to change your sheets every week to keep them free of dirt, dust , sweat and other bad bedding.