Should You Sleep Naked? 

Naked vs nightwear

Ask your mates and you might find the squad divided over what’s best for bedtime. There’s little research into what the average Australian wears, but a 2017 UK study found that 40 per cent of people slept in pyjamas, 20 per cent slept in their underwear and approximately 30 per cent slept naked. Over in the US, they’re a little more relaxed, with 58 per cent sleeping naked, according to a 2018 study. 

But the fact is, there’s no ‘right’ attire. Whether you love a satin nightie, cute cotton sleep shirts or snuggling in your birthday suit, almost every sartorial decision you make when it comes to bedtime is about climate control. So, your own body temperature will play a big part – the ideal sleeping temperature for most people is 17 to 19 degrees celsius. 

Sleeping beauty 

We’ve all been guilty of climbing between sheets that haven’t seen the washing machine as recently as it should. Who has time to fold a fitted sheet anyway? It’s worth stripping your linen before your next in-bed Netflix sesh, though. Same goes for your pyjamas. If you’ve been sleeping in your partner’s old university t-shirt night in, night out, it’s definitely time to re-think what you’re wrapped up in – quality sleep is good for you, there’s a reason it’s called ‘beauty sleep’. 

To regulate your body temperature throughout the night, natural airflow is key. Quality cotton sheets and pillowcases are ideal, while breathable cotton pyjamas and underwear (if that’s your thing) or a loose nightie will improve comfort. Sleepwear designers are playing their part in improving our dreamtime, with more using materials such as bamboo, a fibre known for assisting temperature regulation.