Everyone has their own sleep preferences curating the perfect slumber. One practice that deserves more attention involves stripping things back — literally. Sleeping in the nude can feel liberating and comes with a variety of health benefits worth noting. So, the next time you’re winding down for some much-needed shut-eye, consider swapping that oversized T-shirt or baggy muumuu for your birthday suit.
Cool Down
Body temperature is key to falling asleep comfortably. It’s part of your body’s biological clock; when cooled down, your circadian rhythm tells your body it’s time to fall asleep. Your body temperature naturally cools down when preparing for sleep, but forgoing your pjs can assist in lowering your core body temperature.
Remaining at a cool body temperature throughout the night increases the chances of remaining in a deep sleep. When in a deep sleep, your brain clears itself of toxic proteins, proving to have health costs later in life.
Room temperature is also an important factor in achieving a healthy sleep session. If your sleep environment is too hot or cold, you risk getting a disrupted R.E.M cycle, and not the Ariana Grande version with whistle notes and strategic “yuhs.” Deep sleep is vital for getting the full benefits of rest.
Self Love
Who says you can’t feel your best self when climbing into bed? In fact, sleeping naked is a great way to get in touch with your body and boost confidence.
The more time you spend naked, the more comfortable you will become with your body’s appearance.
Spending more time nude is associated with increased body image satisfaction, according to several studies. You can rack up those extra hours of self-love time by snoozing with nothing on.
Breathin’
If you’re a fan of avoiding yeast
infections — which presumably most are — sleeping naked is a great way to increase vaginal health. Tight jammies or sweaty undies can increase risk of vaginal yeast infections. Sleeping naked is a simple solution to airing it all out.
Wearing tight fitting underwear can also be linked to low sperm count. Taking it all off before bed is a quick fix for keeping testicles cool and creating the optimal temperature for sperm health.
Avoiding clothing while sleeping can also allow your skin to take a breather. Certain fabrics made of synthetic fibers can activate acne, eczema or other skin conditions. Sleeping naked can minimize the risks of itching or unwanted skin condition flare ups.
Skin to Skin 
If you’ve got a pillow talk partner cuddled on the other side of the bed, consider stripping before lights-out. Skin-to-skin contact between adults stimulates the release of oxytocin, which plays an important role in building attachment between partners. This feel-good hormone promotes relaxation, bonding and intimacy.
Oxycontin also aids in sexual arousal and pleasure. Therefore, sleeping naked could contribute to a healthy sex life — a bonus for sustaining long-term relationships. In an anonymous survey completed by 18-22 year-old college students, one respondent wrote, “I sleep naked more often when I’m with my partner. It makes me feel more comfortable and closer to them.”
Tips for Sleeping Naked
Safety and comfortability are the top priorities to exploring a skimpy slumber sesh. You should have a private space where you feel comfortable disrobing. If a sleeping buddy is involved, make sure your plan to take it all off is consensual. And remember: consent is FRIES —freely-given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific.
Bedding matters. Invest in quality sheets, like that Anthropologie duvet you’ve had in your cart for months. The key is to wash your sheets, comforter, blankets and any emotional support stuffed animals regularly. Wash or change your bedding every two weeks, or more, if you have skin concerns.
The right temp also matters. The benefits of sleeping naked are closely linked with keeping cool, Experts recommend an optimal sleep temperature between 66 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sleeping naked might not always be intentional, like those nights where we mysteriously wake up with the covers in a massive ball at the end of the bed and an article of clothing on the ground. If this is a common occurrence, maybe it’s a sign your body would benefit from purposely going to bed with less on.
If you’re not ready to take it all off, that’s okay. Start small and try stripping off one layer at a time. Sleeping in a loose pair of underwear can also offer similar benefits to sleeping fully nude. As with many routines, personal comfort should be the priority.
Survey Says
In a survey focused on 18-22-year-old college students, 89.5% answered that they have slept naked before. Out of those respondents, 63.2% indicated that they only sleep naked occasionally, while 15.8% indicated every night. The other 30% of respondents was an even split, stating they either sleep naked 1-2 or 2-3 times a week.
When asked why they prefer to sleep naked, 50% of respondents indicated it was due to body temperature and comfort.
One specific response stated, “practicing sleeping naked more often helps to make it more comfortable. Also, making your bed and layering up with covers makes it easier.”
Another response stated, “The quality of my sheets is important, and following my skincare routine every night before bed helps to transition.”
words_remi turner. photo_valentina gomez. design_sal puma.
This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2025 print issue.
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