8 reasons why sleeping naked is good for your health

[wendy]

By Georgina Rodgers - 29 November 2013 Reasons why sleeping naked is good for your health
While Brits have always had a bad rap for being buttoned-up in the bedroom, a recent survey has shed light on the cultural differences about our sleep habits and has shown that we are twice as likely to sleep nude in comparison to our American counterparts. According to the US National Sleep Foundation, 30 per cent of Brits said they like to drop off in their birthday suits, compared to just one in 10 Americans. But did you know there are many surprising benefits to ditching our pyjamas and sleeping nude? Check out the health advantages:

1. You will sleep better

Sleep experts often tell us that the optimum room temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees and there is a good reason for this. Thick, heavy covers may interfere with our ability to reach deep, restorative levels of sleep.

Lisa Artis from the UK Sleep Council says: 'Body temperature certainly affects sleep quality and for lots of people, sleeping naked is one way of avoiding overheating. A room that’s too hot or too cold, too stuffy or too draughty can disturb your sleep. Comfort - whether that’s the bed, the bedding or the temperature of the room - plays a large part in getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re not comfortable in bed your sleep won’t be as deep, you’ll move about more and will wake up feeling unrefreshed.'

2. It keeps you looking and feeling young

When we drop off into slumber, our bodies naturally cool down and release anti-aging and growth hormones, including melatonin. Research has shown that among other things melatonin guards the nervous system against degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and strokes.

Dr. Joshi explains: 'As your temperature drops, growth hormones are released and works its regenerative magic.'

3. It increases feel-good hormones

If you sleep alongside your naked partner you increase the levels of feel-good hormone oxytocin, which is also released during sex, or skin-to-skin contact. This special hormone not only counteracts stress, anxiety and depression by fighting the harmful effects of cortisol but it lowers blood pressure, reduces cravings and protects against heart disease. Less clothes may also lead to more sex and therefore, more oxytocin.

Dr. Raj Joshi, Medical Director to 360 Expeditions says: 'Oxytocin can be a magical hormone that as well as all the above can help bring you and your partner closer together and more intimate.'

4. You'll burn more fat

Sleeping naked helps us sleep more soundly and allows levels of the stress hormone cortisol to decrease and keeps our appetites in check. A study by the University of Warwick showed that when quality and quantity of sleep in insufficient we release the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite and causes a surge in insulin. This has the knock on effect of glucose tolerance, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Another recent study in the US also showed that people who slept badly were more likely to choose doughnuts and other junk food the next day rather than whole grains and vegetables.

5. It boosts your metabolism

As well as many other things happening in our bodies as we sleep, going nude allows our bare skin to absorb more nutrients and accelerates the repair process to the skin. An uninterrupted airflow will also allow the sebaceous glands to work best, releasing sebum and allowing skin to regenerate. This helps to boost the metabolic rate of the body, which also helps us lose weight.

Dr. Joshi says: 'If you increase your metabolic rate by sleeping naked, this can burn more calories and help you lose weight.'

6. It Increases confidence

Feeling the cool sheets next to our skin and being naked every night in bed can make us feel sexier and more confident in our everyday lives.

Dr. Joshi says: 'If one feels more confident this can have other added benefits such as improving your job through better interaction at work and a more fulfilling social life.'

7. It boosts circulation

Cuffs and waistbands of pyjamas can sometimes restrict circulation so by shedding the extra layer you will allow blood to move more freely around your body, helping with health conditions such as chronic constipation and lumbago.

Dr. Joshi says: 'Good circulation is important in keeping all your muscles and vital organs healthy by improving delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to your body's tissues.'

Not only that, without the restriction of clothes, your body is more relaxed. In one study, insomnia sufferers slept better when they were naked as it had a calming effect on them.

8. You'll be healthier down there

This is great for men because it has been proven that keeping the testes at a good temperature improves fertility, while for women being naked increases airflow to the vagina, allowing it to stay dry. While its normal to have yeast and bacteria down there, a warm environment can sometimes cause an overgrowth, leading to a yeast infection.

Dr. Joshi adds: 'Healthy private parts will mean more enjoyment through sex. Enough said!'

Georgina Rodgers is a London-based freelance writer.

Read more: 8 reasons why sleeping naked is good for your health | iVillage UK http://www.ivillage.co.uk/how-sleeping- ... z2nf109RpY

[JaneJ]

oo I say!!! I shall have to cast off my winceyette nightie!!! Lee's health could deteriorate from the shock though!!!  ojk

[maureenho]

I'll take my chances and keep my PJ's  ojk ojk ojk

[chenrezig]

My Pj's are staying on too ....and my bedsocks !

[daisy]

va&&&&  I'm waiting  .........................  for better weather  xmas19

[annie]

it would have to be atleast 80degrees before I doff off!!!

[JaneJ]

Good grief we are a sexy lot aren't we!! Wrapped up in our fleecy pjs and bed socks!!

do877

[Misspears]

I wear three quarter length pj bottoms and a chemise top,I get to warm in bed stan says I must be lousy

Ann x