The Naked Truth About Sleeping Nude

If you're thinking of new ways to spice up your sex life, before you start searching online for terms like "sex toys," "ménage à trois" or "new sex positions perfected by acrobats," take a moment to consider a simple experiment: Sleep naked tonight.

To start, we all know getting a good night's sleep has a variety of benefits, including boosting the immune system, restoring energy, reducing stress and improving cognitive skills. "Sleep affects literally everything you do," said Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., also known as the Sleep Doctor, who is a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. "It affects every organ system and every disease state. Everything you do, you do better with a good night's sleep."

Plus, sleeping naked and the associated skin-to-skin contact with a partner can potentially increase oxytocin production. Annika Carroll, a sleep and health coach in Canada and founder of the SleepMasteryMethod, outlined some of the key benefits of sleeping nude for your sex life and overall well-being.

1. Skin-to-skin contact and oxytocin

Oxytocin is often referred to as "the love hormone." Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, oxytocin is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. Its levels—which impact your warm, fuzzy feelings—rise during skin-to-skin contact. Such contact can occur while hugging, cuddling or, you guessed it, sleeping in the nude. Higher levels of oxytocin lead to increased feelings of attachment, which in turn can translate to increased amounts of intimacy.

However, the rise of oxytocin activates sexual behavior in men and women differently. In men, a rise in oxytocin, in combination with sex hormones such as testosterone, may produce improved erections and the frequency of ejaculation. In women, it increases receptivity in combination with estrogen. The release of oxytocin also may potentially decrease stress levels and create a feeling of relaxation.

2. Improved vaginal health

Sleeping naked can potentially have a positive influence on vaginal health, assuming your sheets are made out of healthy, breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo, according to Carroll. She noted that non-breathable fabrics, such as fleece or other polyester-based fabrics, are not recommended as they can create a moist, warm environment ideal for yeasts and bacteria.

3. Better sperm motility

A 2020 study published in the journal Translational Andrology and Urology referenced the long-held idea that "the best temperature to keep semen in order to preserve sperm motility is 20 degrees [Celsius]."

Sleeping under a lot of covers may lead to higher temperatures, so theoretically, stripping off some extra sleepwear can help compensate and cool you right back down.

Remember, when you're relatively cool at night, the better your sperm are moving.

4. A boost in self-esteem

"Being naked around a partner can also improve your self-esteem and produce a positive impact on your relationship," Carroll said, noting a recent study indicated being naked around other naked people can help support a positive body image.

However, asking someone to sleep naked next to you in bed may not make your partner comfortable, especially if there are cultural issues that disallow it. It's important to have an open conversation about this subject with your partner, educating each other about your body image and what works best for each of you.

5. You might fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer

You may notice that as it gets later in the evening, your body temperature starts to drop, even to the point where you may shiver. Some people are more temperature-sensitive, and this process may take a different amount of time for different folks, but it's a natural process and is nothing more than your body letting you know it's time for bed.

The ideal room temperature for good sleep ranges from 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on how many covers you have on the bed, sleeping naked may allow your body to cool off faster, improving your comfort level for sleep. Deeper, more restful sleep supports energy and improves resilience to stress, which might help people get in the mood for sex more easily.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at the impact that sleep deprivation had on female sexual response and behavior. Analyses indicated longer sleep duration was related to greater next-day sexual desire and that a one-hour increase in sleep length corresponded to a 14 percent increase in odds of engaging in partnered sexual activity.

Of course, sleeping naked won't guarantee you better sleep—or better sex—and you should consider other factors that can affect a good night's rest.

It's time to strip

If you share a bed, it's always good to discuss this change and make sure you have your partner's consent before you start taking it all off. Carroll suggested these four tips for an easy transition to sleeping naked:

• Make sure you're comfortable sleeping without bedclothes. If not, explore why that might be: Are you comfortable in your body? If not, why?
• Let your partner know that you want to try sleeping in the nude and talk it out until you're both of the same mind.
• Make sure your bedding is warm enough and use layered sheets, preferably made from breathable fabrics.
• If you don't want to take the plunge right away, try wearing cotton underwear with a tank top or T-shirt as a first step.