Is there anything more comfortable than nothing at all? Unfortunately, ‘nothing’ is not generally acceptable or desirable as daywear, which only ought to make the opportunity to finally remove the trimmings and trappings of our waking hours all the more relieving and freeing when it comes to going to bed. There are numerous benefits to sleeping naked, health-wise, financially and psychologically and, if two-thirds of people choose not to, is this partly the fault of a society that still sexualises nudity or regards it as something ‘uncivilised’? 

“It seems, therefore, that sleeping naked can almost be a self-fulfilling prophecy”

The benefits of sleeping naked should be apparent to students. Practically, it usually prevents you spending all day in your pyjamas, contributing to a more sedentary lifestyle that often goes hand in hand with lower productivity. Since sleeping naked, I tend to start getting on with working an hour earlier than I might otherwise, and I feel better for it. Furthermore, pyjamas cost money that might better be spent on going out with friends. Saving money for drunken escapades is not the only social improvement this may make to a person’s life. Sleeping naked has also been found to have a positive effect when done with with a partner. Not only has it been associated with a more fulfilling sex life, increasing feelings of closeness to a partner, but skin to skin contact also produces a hormone called oxytocin, which helps to combat stress and depression.

There are things we can all do to make ourselves happier and more relaxed, and that something so easy is only, according to an international study by the U.S. National Sleep Foundation, done by 30% of people in the United Kingdom is perhaps indicative of our prudish, and often childish, relation to nudity. It is also interesting that men are twice as likely to do so as women. Maybe men have all silently discovered the link between sleeping naked and improved sperm. A study by researchers in the U.S. from the National Institute of Child Health and Development and Stanford University reported that men who slept naked 25% lower rate of damaged DNA in their sperm, and proved that it was more than just an old wives’ tale that keeping the genitals cool improves sexual function (not that this is an excuse for manspreading).  However, it is not only men who benefit intimately from letting their bodies breathe, where women who sleep naked have far lower rates of yeast infections and clearer skin.

Why do more women not do it? Some enjoy the ritual of getting down for the night with a cosy night gown or pair of pyjamas. Many might say that they prefer to wear clothes in case of intruders or emergencies, but there could also be argued to be an undercurrent where women are taught from a young age to be ashamed of their bodies where they don’t resemble a Victoria’s Secret model. I know of women who will let the bath or shower steam up their bathroom mirror before taking off their clothes, for fear of catching sight of themselves naked and feeling embarrassed because they consider their bodies imperfect, and others who will insist on keeping on one item of clothing when engaging in any form of intercourse. It seems, therefore, that sleeping naked can almost be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Not only does it defeat notions of the body, whether female or otherwise, as sexual but it has been shown to boost self-esteem and is, therefore, good for body positivity at a time when it seems like rates of dissatisfaction with body image are becoming more visible than ever.

Better off bra-free?

It must also be worth noting that, aside from the health benefits of sleeping naked, there may be drawbacks to sleeping with clothing, besides discomfort. Sleeping naked aids in keeping body temperature at the optimal ranges for producing and regulating cortisol. But if too much cortisol is produced to compensate for overheating, it can lead to increased anxiety, food cravings, weight gain and higher chances of restless sleep since, in order to fall asleep, core body temperature must drop by about half a degree and remain at that level.

Sleeping naked is fabulous. It makes you feel sensual and better appreciate your body and, personally, it has also allowed me to feel more grounded and freer. After all, humans are animals. Even if only at night, we ought to do that most universal of things and fall asleep in our natural state… or follow Marilyn’s lead and accessorise with Chanel No.5