What Do You Wear To Bed?

What you wear to bed can significantly impact your sleep quality. From the fabric of your pajamas to the decision of whether to wear anything at all, your sleepwear choice plays a vital role in how comfortable and rested you feel each night. In this blog, we discuss the various options available and how to choose the best sleepwear for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

What To Wear While Sleeping

When it comes to sleepwear, comfort and temperature regulation are key. The right sleepwear can enhance your quality of sleep by keeping you cozy and helping maintain an optimal body temperature throughout the night. Here’s a detailed look at various options:

1. Pajamas

Pajamas come in a variety of fabrics, each suitable for different climates and personal preferences. Cotton is breathable and soft, making it ideal for warm weather. Flannel is perfect for colder months, providing warmth and comfort. Silk is luxurious and temperature-regulating, making it suitable for both warm and cool nights.

Pajamas are available in various styles, including two-piece sets with long pants and long-sleeve shirts, short sets for warmer weather, or even nightshirts, which are similar to a long, oversized T-shirt.

2. Nightgowns and Sleep Dresses

Similar to pajamas, nightgowns can be made from cotton, silk, satin, or blends of these fabrics. Cotton nightgowns are breathable and ideal for warmer nights, while silk or satin options feel luxurious against the skin.

Nightgowns can range from simple and modest to elaborate with lace, embroidery, or other decorative elements. They vary in length from mid-thigh to ankle, depending on your comfort level and the season.

3. Sleep Shorts and Tanks

Often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, jersey, or moisture-wicking materials. These are designed to be breathable and comfortable, especially in warm or humid climates. Sleep shorts and tank tops can be simple and functional or more stylish, with lace trim or other decorative touches. They’re often sold as sets, but mixing and matching is also common.

4. Sleepwear Sets

These sets can be made from a range of fabrics, including cotton, satin, or microfiber. The choice of material depends on the climate and personal comfort preferences. Sleepwear sets often include matching tops and bottoms, such as pajama pants with a long-sleeve or short-sleeve top, or shorts with a tank top. These can range from basic and functional to stylish and coordinated.

5. Loungewear

Loungewear is typically made from soft, comfortable materials like cotton, fleece, or knit fabrics. The focus is on coziness and ease of movement. Loungewear includes items like joggers, leggings, oversized T-shirts, and hoodies. These pieces are designed to be worn both for sleep and around the house, making them versatile

6. Onesies

Onesies are usually made from fleece, cotton, or jersey fabrics. Fleece onesies are especially popular in colder climates because they provide warmth and coziness. Available in both adult and child sizes, onesies come in a variety of designs, from simple solid colors to fun patterns and character-themed options.

7. Minimal or No Clothing

If you choose to sleep in minimal clothing or naked, the material of your bedding becomes even more important. Opt for breathable cotton or linen sheets that wick away moisture and keep you cool.

Sleeping in the nude is ideal for those who overheat easily during sleep or prefer the sensation of fewer restrictions on their body. This option can be ideal for warm climates or for those who find that less clothing helps them sleep better.

When looking for the best clothes to sleep in, it is essential to remember that each of these sleepwear options offers different benefits, depending on your personal preferences, the climate, and how much coverage you want while you sleep. Whether you prefer the classic feel of pajamas, the freedom of nightgowns, or the minimalism of sleep shorts, choosing the right sleepwear can significantly enhance your sleep quality.

Next, let’s consider whether or not you should even be sleeping with your clothes on, regardless of their materials.

Should You Sleep With Clothes On?

Whether to sleep with clothes on or nude is a personal choice that depends on your comfort preferences, sleep environment, and health considerations. Each option has its benefits and potential drawbacks. Let’s have a look at both:

Sleeping With Clothes On

The benefits of sleeping in pajamas or something similar include:

• Warmth: Sleepwear, especially in colder climates or during winter, can help retain body heat and keep you warm throughout the night.
• Comfort: Many people feel more comfortable and secure sleeping in clothes. Soft, well-fitting sleepwear can enhance comfort by reducing skin-to-skin friction.
• Protection: Wearing clothes can provide a layer of protection for your skin against irritants, such as rough bedding or dust mites. It can also be helpful for sleepers with skin conditions that require coverage.
• Hygiene: Sleepwear can absorb sweat and body oils, reducing the need to wash bedding as frequently. This can be beneficial for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in your sleep environment.

On the other hand, drawbacks include:

• Overheating: Depending on the fabric and amount of coverage, sleeping in clothes can sometimes lead to overheating, particularly for hot sleepers or in warm climates.
• Restricted Movement: Tight or restrictive sleepwear can limit movement during sleep, potentially leading to discomfort or disrupted sleep.
• Skin Irritation: Some fabrics can irritate the skin, especially if they are synthetic, rough, or treated with chemicals. This can lead to itching, rashes, or discomfort.

Sleeping Nude

If you prefer sleeping in the nude, these are some benefits you could be reaping:

• Temperature Regulation: Sleeping nude can help regulate your body temperature by allowing heat to dissipate more easily. This can be particularly beneficial for hot sleepers or in warm climates.
• Comfort: Many people find sleeping nude more comfortable as it eliminates the potential for clothing to bunch up, twist, or restrict movement during the night.
• Skin Health: Sleeping without clothes allows your skin to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation, rashes, or infections. It can also help prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria.
• Enhanced Intimacy: For couples, sleeping nude can enhance physical and emotional intimacy, fostering a closer connection.

Sleeping with no clothes on doesn’t come without downsides though. Some drawbacks include:

• Chilliness: In colder climates or during winter, sleeping nude can lead to feeling cold, which might disturb your sleep. Extra blankets may be needed to stay warm.
• Hygiene Concerns: Without sleepwear to absorb sweat and oils, your bedding may need to be washed more frequently to maintain hygiene.
• Vulnerability: Some people feel more vulnerable or exposed when sleeping nude, which can lead to discomfort or anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar environments.

In the next two sections, we take a look at how you can regulate your bedroom’s temperature to either sleep warm or cold, depending on your personal preferences.

How To Stay Warm In Bed

Staying warm in bed is crucial for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep, especially during colder months or in chilly climates. Here are several strategies to help you maintain warmth:

1. Layer Your Bedding: Adding layers of blankets or quilts helps trap heat close to your body. Start with a fitted sheet, add a warm blanket, and top it off with a comforter or duvet. You can adjust the layers depending on how cold you feel. Wool or flannel blankets are excellent for insulation, while down or down-alternative comforters provide lightweight warmth.

2. Wear Warm Sleepwear: Choosing the right sleepwear is key to staying warm. Opt for materials like eco-friendly flannel or thermal fabrics that provide insulation. Long-sleeve tops and full-length pants help cover more skin, retaining body heat. Wearing socks to bed is an effective way to keep your feet warm, which can help regulate your overall body temperature. Thermal socks are ideal as they offer warmth without making your feet sweat.

3. Warm Up Your Bed Before Sleeping: Pre-warming your bed with a hot water bottle can create a toasty environment before you settle in. Place the hot water bottle near your feet or along the bed’s surface to distribute warmth. A rice or grain bag heated in the microwave can also serve as a quick and effective bed warmer.

4. Use a Non-electric Heated Pad: Heated pads provide consistent warmth as you fall asleep. Although electric pads can be adjusted to your preferred temperature, they pose safety concerns. A good alternative for this is our Lounger, a heated lap pad whose compact design combines the stress-relieving benefits of Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) with the soothing effects of thermotherapy to relax your pressure points with heat-retaining Terraclay™.

5. Adjust Your Sleeping Position: Curling up into a fetal position can help retain body heat by minimizing the amount of skin exposed to cooler air. Tucking your hands and feet closer to your body further conserves warmth.

Next, let’s look at the opposite side, especially for hot sleepers who prefer being cool when napping.

How To Keep Cool In Bed

Here are some tips to help you keep cool and sleep soundly:

1. Choose Lightweight Sleepwear or Go Nude: Wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking sleepwear made from fabrics like cotton or bamboo can help regulate your body temperature. Alternatively, sleeping nude allows for maximum air circulation, which can help dissipate body heat more effectively.

2. Keep Your Room Cool: Lowering the temperature of your bedroom is one of the most effective ways to stay cool. Aim for a room temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C), which is considered optimal for sleep. Use a fan or air conditioner to maintain a cool environment. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan to circulate cooler air.

3. Take a Cool Shower Before Bed: A cool shower helps lower your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep in hot conditions. The effect of the cool water can last long enough to help you drift off comfortably. Keep a spray bottle with water near your bed and mist yourself lightly if you wake up feeling hot during the night.

4. Use Cooling Accessories: Cooling gel pillows, breathable mattress toppers, and lightweight blankets designed for hot weather can enhance your comfort by reducing heat buildup. Consider using a damp washcloth or a chilled eye mask to help cool down specific areas of your body.

5. Use Breathable Bedding: Bedding made from lightweight, breathable materials allows air to circulate. This prevents heat from getting trapped and keeps you cool throughout the night. An example of this is our Tree Napper, made from TENCELTM, a natural moisture-wicking fabric crafted from eucalyptus fibers. Combined with our classic chunky-knit design, the Napper ensures you stay cool all night long.

Conclusion

Achieving the perfect sleep environment involves balancing warmth and coolness to suit your individual needs and the climate you’re in. Whether you’re trying to stay warm on a cold night or keep cool during a heatwave, the right sleepwear, bedding, and temperature control techniques can make all the difference.