However, studies done in the recent past state that sleeping in the buff can do you a lot of good. It not only improves your health, but also works on the psychological level by improving your self-image and therefore, your relationship with your partner in bed. Wellness expert and relationship counsellor, Dr Sanjoy Mukerji explains that shedding clothes in bed is like shedding your inhibitions. “Usually, you declutter your mind by doing various things like meditation. Likewise, the body feels the need to be free. Nakedness in bed also harbours a positive psychosomatic effect. The reason to encourage couples to sleep naked is to increase the intimacy and openness due to nudity and the feeling of oneness.
The scientific reason to it is that our body releases certain chemicals which make our mind feel happy and romantic, leading to increased sexual intimacy,” he adds. The skin-to-skin contact also releases antidepressant hormones which help lift the mood. To add to the benefits, sleeping with no clothes on not only improves your love life, but also wards off infections, trims your waistline and makes you less exhausted. City-based sexologist, Dr Rajan Bhonsle agrees to the fact that wearing bare minimum clothes at night or going completely nude has its health benefits. “If a man wears very tight undergarments, there are chances of him experiencing a drop in his sperm count or a fall in libido or sexual arousal. For women, wearing tight lingerie can give rise to breathing issues and can also lead to fungal infections in genital areas,” he says. However, Dr S Ramnathan Iyer, a consultant physician of sleep medicine, warns that in India, people are not exposed to the benefits of sleeping naked as they are in the West. “I would advise people to take things one at a time. People who suffer from disorders like sleep-walking should avoid sleeping in the nude, as it may put them in an embarrassing situation,” he says. “To sleep naked or with loose-fitting clothes should be an individual’s choice as having a comfortable and conducive environment is of prime importance,” concludes Dr Iyer.
Prevents insomnia
A recent Australian study concluded that a drop in core body temperature is needed to initiate sleep. The body pushes the heat out from the core like a radiator and releases it. Sleeping naked allows the heat to release more quickly, and helps you fall asleep faster.
Helps a deeper, longer sleep
The study also showed that the regulation of in-bed body temperature could significantly help in getting a deeper sleep for longer periods of time.
Fights off excess belly fat
Natural body cooling at night helps you lower your cortisol levels. A high level of cortisol stimulates your appetite for comfort foods leading to belly fat. Sleeping longer also increases the rate of metabolism that helps digest food better.
Better blood flow
The increase in circulation, along with not wearing tight-fitting clothes benefits the heart, muscles, and arteries as the oxygen-rich blood flows to your extremities.
Acts as an anti-ageing agent
Sleep triggers the release of growth hormones and melatonin, which are the most vital anti-ageing hormones. So, the more you sleep, the better it is. l
Improves self-esteem and acceptance
Theories suggest that the more time you spend in the nude, the more comfortable you feel in your skin. And the more comfortable you feel, the more confidently you’ll behave, making you happier and more attractive to others.
Boosts sex life
Skin-to-skin contact with your partner can boost the release of oxytocin in your body. Oxytocin is a powerful, feel-good hormone, which is needed for orgasm and sexual responsiveness, dealing with stress, and combating depression.
Wards off skin diseases
Airing out the skin all over your body, especially in areas like your feet, armpits, and genitals, means a lowered risk for skin diseases like athlete’s foot.
