Is it good to sleep without underwear? What you need to know to get a better night's sleep

Sleeping is (or should be) the moment your body slows down and recovers. And yet, so many “small” questions suddenly feel huge right before lights out: do I wear pyjamas, do I take them off, do I sleep in underwear or with nothing on?

The reality is that sleeping naked can feel liberating and, in some cases, bring benefits. But it’s not the only way to rest better. What matters isn’t “going without”, but choosing what lets you breathe, move freely, and keep a comfortable body temperature through the night, which is key for sleep quality.

Benefits of sleeping without underwear (or with the right sleepwear)

Before idealising it: you don’t have to sleep without pyjamas to support your rest. Many of the benefits of sleeping naked can also be achieved with sleepwear designed for bedtime, especially if it’s soft, breathable, and doesn’t add unnecessary pressure.

Intimate comfort

Sleeping without underwear can feel comfortable if it helps you avoid rubbing, excess heat, or a “damp” feeling in the intimate area. The basic idea is simple: encouraging a drier, more breathable environment is generally a good wellbeing habit (Cleveland Clinic).

That said, if sleeping naked isn’t for you, you can aim for the same effect with cotton underwear and lightweight nightwear. Cotton stands out for its breathability and for being a gentle option for sensitive skin. In other words: the benefit of sleeping without underwear doesn’t depend on “zero clothing”, but on avoiding fabrics that don’t breathe or elastics that press.

Temperature regulation

Your body doesn’t sleep in “static mode”. Overnight, your core temperature shifts, and thermoregulation influences how you fall asleep and how you stay asleep (Harding et al., 2019). That’s why sleeping without pyjamas helps some people: fewer layers, less trapped heat.

Still, the trick isn’t getting cold. It’s finding balance. Keeping the bedroom on the cooler side often supports better rest (Sleep Foundation). And if you like feeling cosy, you can get that comfort with lighter fabrics that let your skin breathe without overheating.

Comfort without compromising your sleep

When we talk about advantages of sleeping naked, we’re often talking about freedom of movement. And that really matters: clothing that pulls, leaves marks, or feels tight can distract you and break that continuous-rest feeling.

Also, sleeping well is linked with better overnight hormonal balance. For example, growth hormone secretion is associated with deep sleep. And when sleep is lacking, factors like perceived stress and cortisol levels at certain times of day can be affected (Leproult et al., 1997). This isn’t something to obsess over. It’s an invitation to protect your bedtime ritual and your comfort.

It’s also been studied that building up “sleep debt” affects metabolic functions and how the body manages, among other things, glucose tolerance (Spiegel et al., 1999). So if sleeping naked helps you sleep more and better, great. If not, the alternative isn’t forcing it. It’s optimising what you wear to bed.

Not everyone feels comfortable sleeping naked

And that’s completely normal. Many women prefer sleeping with something on for a sense of security, because they live with others, because of temperature, or simply because it feels more like “them”. Sleeping naked isn’t a wellbeing test or a standard.

This is where cotton pyjamas, a lightweight nightdress, or a relaxed homewear set can be the perfect option: they support you without getting in the way, let your skin breathe, and avoid that “tied-in” feeling that more fitted garments can create.

If you like the idea of sleeping without pyjamas but you don’t want to sleep with no clothes, try a middle ground: a soft nightdress, lingerie-style pyjamas, or a loose set that doesn’t press. That in-between often works because it respects freedom of movement and temperature regulation.

What to look for in sleepwear

If you want to improve your rest (whether you sleep naked or not), these are the key points:

• Cotton and breathable fabrics: help prevent heat build-up and allow the skin to breathe.

• No harsh seams (or flat seams): less rubbing, a softer feel. To confirm this properly, you’d need studies comparing perceived comfort and night wakings by construction type.

• No tight elastics: especially at the waist and groin, because they can feel uncomfortable when you change position. You’d need pressure measurements and their relationship with micro-awakenings to confirm it.

• Relaxed fit: the idea is to let the body move and not feel “trapped” in circulation.

• Layers by season: a lightweight layer can be better than “nothing” if your room is cool; what matters is not overheating.

One extra detail: if you sleep with a partner, skin-to-skin contact can increase feelings of connection and wellbeing. Physiologically, contact and social support have been linked to more buffered stress responses in certain contexts (Heinrichs et al., 2003). It’s not magic. It’s one more reason to build a calm environment.

Sleepwear designed for your rest with Ysabel Mora

If your goal is to sleep better, the practical question isn’t only “is it good to sleep naked?”, but: what do I need to feel comfortable all night? That’s where choosing the right pieces makes the difference.

• If you want a light, soft, feminine option, you can explore lingerie-style pyjamas that let you sleep freely: women’s lingerie-style pyjamas. The key here is that “second-skin” feel without too much fabric.
  

  

• If you prioritise natural, breathable comfort, a reliable essential is cotton: women’s cotton pyjamas. Perfect if you want to regulate temperature without giving up feeling dressed.

• And if what you want is to support intimate comfort with no pressure, an easy option is choosing cotton underwear, especially for nights when you don’t want to sleep naked: cotton knickers.
  

  

Because yes: sleeping without underwear can feel nice and come with advantages, but it’s not an obligation or a universal formula. The real goal is continuous rest, breathable skin, a body that isn’t battling heat (or clothing), and waking up with that feeling you truly slept.

If you notice recurring intimate discomfort, irritation, or persistent changes, the right step is to speak with a healthcare professional. This article is about comfort and wellbeing, not a replacement for medical advice.