In this blog post, we will look at the scientific basis for how sleeping naked affects sleep and stress reduction.
Since the dawn of humanity, clothing culture has played a major role in human life, along with food culture and housing culture. Early clothing was intended to protect people from the natural environment. Since humans began wearing animal skins and woven leaves, clothing culture has developed rapidly, and today we have clothes made from a variety of materials with various functions and designs. However, this article is not about the diversity or functions of clothing. Modern humans have become creatures who feel uneasy without clothes, except in “special” cases such as when washing their bodies. In other words, clothing has become a socially constructed norm. Therefore, I demand freedom from the constraints of clothing.
I once had the opportunity to sleep without a stitch of clothing on. I think I was so tired that I forgot to put on my pajamas. In any case, contrary to the concerns of those around me that I would catch a cold without clothes, I woke up feeling very refreshed, and through this experience, I learned about the existence of people who sleep naked. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to explain why people sleep naked.
Marilyn Monroe, the sex symbol of the century, is said to have caused many men to toss and turn in their beds when she responded to a reporter’s cheeky question, “What do you wear to bed?” with, “The only thing I wear to bed is Chanel No. 5 (perfume).” Why did Marilyn Monroe sleep naked? The advantage of sleeping naked is that it promotes deep sleep.
Experts explain that in order to get a good night’s sleep, it is important to keep the body cool so that the core body temperature can be lowered by about 0.5°C. According to Dr. Chris Idzikowski of the Edinburgh Sleep Center in the UK, core body temperature is highest around 11 p.m. and lowest around 4 a.m. However, if something prevents the body temperature from dropping, the brain will automatically wake up to find the cause. In light of this, neuroscience expert Russell Foster, a professor at Oxford University, has published research findings showing that wearing multiple layers of clothing makes it difficult to regulate body temperature, and that wearing minimal clothing or sleeping naked is effective for getting a good night’s sleep.
In addition, sleeping naked helps you sleep soundly by “freeing you from underwear.” French scholar Ray claims that wearing underwear while sleeping makes it difficult to sleep soundly because it hinders blood circulation. This is because the elastic bands in underwear constantly stimulate the body, hindering blood circulation in the lower half of the body. In addition, Ray claims that the elastic bands in women’s panties cause congestion in the lower body, which adversely affects the uterus and ovaries, causing menstrual irregularities and menstrual cramps. The same is true for men. It is known that tight underwear can interfere with sperm production, but when underwear is removed, the genitals and urinary organs are exposed to air, which balances the autonomic nerves and facilitates the secretion of male hormones. In addition, the anal and urethra react to changes in the outside air, which can promote metabolic activity.
Finally, sleeping naked reduces stress during sleep. When you wear pajamas, air does not circulate properly inside them. In addition, when you sleep in pajamas, sweat and moisture caused by active metabolism during sleep can soak into the pajamas, causing discomfort. Trying to sleep naked can eliminate sleep disturbances caused by pajamas. Stress is caused by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and sleeping naked reduces this stimulation, thereby reducing stress.
Nowadays, when it is natural to wear clothes, sleeping naked may seem a little embarrassing. However, why not take the plunge and enjoy the feeling of freedom for a healthier life? Sleeping naked is not only good for a comfortable night’s sleep, but also greatly helps to improve health and reduce stress. Therefore, we recommend that you understand the benefits of sleeping naked and try it for yourself to lead a healthier life.