6 Reasons You Really Should Sleep Naked

Put down that flannel nightgown or oversized T-shirt. According to experts, wearing your birthday suit to bed is a good idea for your physical — and emotional — health.

1. You'll sleep better.

Because your body temperature naturally goes down when you sleep, studies link insomnia with being too hot. A cool room, makes for the best night's rest, says the National Sleep Foundation. But that won't matter if you're too covered-up. Being naked helps you fall asleep faster — and stay asleep — by keeping your body cooler.

2. Your lady parts get to breathe.

While having some yeast and bacteria are completely normal, the U.S. Office on Women's Health says that trapping body heat and moisture down there increases your risk of yeast infections. So, going commando is a great way to air things out.

3. You'll look younger.

When your body gets to properly cool down, it releases anti-aging hormones — melatonin and growth hormone. But when your body temperature is too high, its regenerative power is blocked. Ever worse: Overheating in bed can trigger pre-existing skin conditions. The takeaway? Sleeping nude = a beauty win.

4. You and your partner will bond more.

When both of you sleep nude, oxytocin is naturally released through the skin-to-skin contact. "This is the cuddle love hormone," says sexual health expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Shannon Chavez. "It increases bonding and emotional closeness in relationships. It's also been shown to improve relational satisfaction, self esteem, and confidence."

More proof: Cotton USA surveyed couples in 2014 and found that those who slept in the nude were 9% more likely to be happy in their relationship than pajama-wearers. Need more reason to try it? Oxytocin also helps you sleep better.

5. Your immunity will get a boost.

Skin-on-skin contact also decreases the production of cortisol, which suppresses immune response. It also increases oxytocin, which aids in blood pressure and healing.

6. Trims your tummy without a trip to the gym.

When cortisol levels go down at night (thanks to a good night's sleep and/or skin contact), your energy and hunger levels stay balanced during the day. Why? Because this tricky hormone triggers your appetite for sugar and carbs, increases anxiety, and packs on belly fat.

From Goodhousekeeping

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