In a string of findings that appear to justify ditching your pyjamas and nighties, researchers found going to bed nude can prevent you getting infections, improve your sleep, enhance your relationship and burn more kilojoules.
One of the reasons it’s better is that it’s important to be cool at night so your body temperature can fall the half a degree it needs for you to fall asleep. You continue to get cooler until 4am – and if anything disturbs that process, your brain will wake you up to find out what’s going on.
Nevertheless, sleep experts agree it’s important to keep your hands and feet sufficiently warm so heat can escape without blood vessels constricting from cold.
The US National Sleep Foundation research also reported other benefits.
Being naked if you share your bed with a partner prompts the release of oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone” which brings health benefits such as boosting your immune system, reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure.
It also trumps diet and exercise as a no-effort way to lose weight and lower your chance of developing diabetes.
Research has shown people who sleep in cooler temperature can double their volume of brown fat: a remarkable form of tissue that appears to burn extra kilojoules to generate heat. Their insulin sensitivity also improves, meaning their risk of diabetes reduces over time.
Lastly, sleeping without clothing has been shown to boost your sex life. For obvious reasons.
