Does sleeping naked actually improve your health? While those who prefer sleeping in the buff will often cite this as an enthusiastic reason to join their side, what’s the truth? We turned to Health Essentials for the answer.

The truth about sleeping naked

To begin with: there are benefits to sleeping naked. First and foremost? A better night’s sleep. Humans sleep best in airy, cool places: it’s why doctors often recommend lowering the temperature of one’s bedroom if you’re having issues with insomnia.

An ideal temperature for a bedroom, Health Essentials states, is around 60 – 67 degrees Fahrenheit (or 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, for those outside the US).

By throwing on that extra-heavy T-shirt or cozy flannel nightgown, you’re ensuring a far cooler night between the sheets – and by getting better sleep, your health will naturally improve.

How sleeping naked impacts different genders

For women, it can also be a good idea (if nothing else) to ditch their underwear. By getting some cool air around your most essential bits, you can lower the risk of a potential yeast infection.

Yeast infections thrive in heat and moisture, and on those sweltering summer nights, every little bit counts. If not naked, then cotton is the next best bet.

And for men, it might help those looking to help boost their fertility. Heat is a sperm-killer, and tight underwear does one no favors.

As Health Essentials points out, “studies show that men who wear boxers have a higher sperm count than their buddies in briefs” – so sleeping naked, where one can be cool and free of confinement, can only ever help up that count.

That said: ultimately, what you choose to sleep in is a personal affair. You may want to keep PJs on for comfort, for style – or just to prevent roommates and family members from getting an eyeful.

While there are some health benefits to sleeping naked, ultimately what will bring you the best health is to wear what makes you the most comfortable and helps you get the most sleep.