Getting a good night’s sleep is key to maintaining a healthy, happy life. However, when life gets tough, our sleep quality is often the first thing to falter. Approximately 70 million Americans struggle with sleep deprivation and sleep-related issues, costing them $16 billion in medical expenses yearly.
What is the best thing to wear to sleep? What you wear to bed matters a lot more than you might think. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) wear to bed to enhance your snooze and your overall well-being.
What Science Says About What to Wear to Bed
Sleep is a big part of our lives and an eternal mystery that scientists try to demystify and help us better understand. Here’s what they say:
Temperature Regulation
Scientific studies indicate that maintaining a cool and comfortable body temperature is crucial. Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials can help keep you cool. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation advises keeping your bedroom temperature ideally between 60-67°F (15-19°C), to promote optimal sleep conditions.
Feel like sleeping naked? Studies show that doing so can significantly improve the body's ability to regulate temperature, potentially leading to better sleep quality.
Read more: The Best Summer Pajamas to Keep Your Cool
Psychological Comfort
The psychological aspect of sleepwear should not be overlooked. Having a bedtime routine that includes changing into specific sleepwear can signal to your brain that it is time to wind down, thus promoting better sleep. Personal comfort and preference play significant roles, as feeling relaxed and at ease in your sleepwear can be an important factor for a better night’s sleep.
So listen to your body and pay attention to how your sleepwear impacts your sleep—if you’re not happy, it’s time for a new set of PJs!
Fabric
The fabric of your sleepwear can profoundly affect your comfort and, consequently, your sleep. Breathable fabrics, like cotton, are generally favored because they allow air to circulate, which helps in maintaining an optimal body temperature.
However, if you’re struggling with night sweats, moisture-wicking fabrics are a better option for you. These materials, often found in athletic wear, are designed to draw moisture away from the body, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable throughout the night.
Let’s review some of the best fabrics to sleep in:
- Moisture-wicking fabric. If you tend to sweat heavily in your sleep, a moisture-wicking polyester blend designed for athletic wear is an ideal choice. It draws moisture away from the skin while promoting airflow, leaving you feeling cool, dry and comfortable.
- Cotton. Like moisture-wicking fabric, cotton is ultra-breathable and won’t trap body heat against your skin. It’s also comfortable, soft and affordable.
- Silk. Although silk is a bit pricier, it’s a worthwhile investment for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. And, because it’s thin and lightweight, it’s a great option for those who struggle with night sweats.
- Bamboo. Bamboo fabric is naturally cooling, moisture-wicking and often sold at a reasonable price point. It’s eco-friendly, too!
- Linen. Like bamboo fabric, linen is naturally soft, moisture-wicking and breathable. Although it can be expensive, it’s an excellent choice for hot sleepers.
Read more: Discover the 6 Best Fabrics for Sensitive Skin
What to Avoid When Choosing Clothes to Sleep In
There are lots of cozy sleepwear options, but there are a few things that you should try to avoid:
- Tight clothing. Clothing that is too tight can cut off your circulation, making it difficult for your body to move into deeper stages of sleep.
- Buttons and tags. Buttons and itchy tags may press into your skin, leading to irritation and discomfort. A few buttons here and there are acceptable, but we’d recommend avoiding tags altogether.
- Lingerie and lace. Although lingerie and lace are big confidence boosters, we recommend changing into something a little cozier before going to sleep.
- Tight elastic. Elastic that’s too tight can cause soreness, chafing and irritation. When purchasing new pajamas, ensure that the elastic is ultra-stretchy (and size up if it’s not).
- Synthetic fabric. Polyester, spandex and nylon trap heat and moisture, which may cause discomfort and excessive sweating.
- Cheap fabrics. Although pajamas at a low price point may be appealing, low-quality materials are generally less comfortable. We recommend investing in high-quality garments as they will last longer and boost your comfort.
The Best Clothes to Sleep In
Comfort is a crucial contributor to a good night’s rest, so finding high-quality pajamas is essential. Here are some sleepwear styles we recommend.
PJ Sets
Two-piece PJ sets come in a variety of fabrics, colors, sizes and styles. It’s probably the most common type of clothing people wear to bed. They’re ideal for anyone who tends to toss and turn or has difficulty controlling their body temperature while sleeping.
PJ sets are certainly the most diverse category of sleepwear, catering to different temperatures and sleeping preferences. There are sets with shorts, pants, tank tops, short sleeves, and long sleeves—you name it! We recommend starting with a PJ set with less fabric (like a short-sleeve shirt with shorts) to ensure that you stay cool while sleeping.
Nightgowns and Nightshirts
If you love sleeping in oversized t-shirts, try trading your trusty t-shirt for a nightgown or a nightshirt! Although baggy t-shirts are a cozy option, many are made with polyester (or a polyester blend) that can contribute to night sweats and skin irritation.
Nightgowns and nightshirts have the same comforting look and feel as a t-shirt. However, unlike many t-shirts, they don’t adversely affect your skin or sleep quality. Instead, they’re breathable, cozy and easy to move around in, and they’ll keep you cool all night long.
Read more: The Best Pajamas for Night Sweats
Onesies
Onesies are the perfect cross between style, comfort and function. They’re an excellent option for people who feel more comfortable sleeping with clothes that cover most of their bodies. Although many onesies are meant to keep you warm, there are plenty of onesies made with breathable fabric that will keep you cool and sweat-free.
Wearing a Bra to Bed?
There’s a common misconception that sleeping in a bra will prevent sagging and stretch marks. However, wearing a bra to bed can cause numerous health risks, including reduced blood flow, difficulty breathing and skin irritation. So, if possible, ditch your bra when it’s time for bed. And, going braless actually promotes healthy skin elasticity – so it’s a win-win!
Wearing Underwear When Sleeping?
Should you wear underwear to bed? As comfy as it may be to put on your favorite pair before you get under the covers, consider going without underwear. Wearing underwear to bed creates the perfect environment for growing bacteria, which may make you susceptible to yeast infections. Although it may feel strange at first, many women appreciate the ease of sleeping without them!
However, maintaining the cleanliness of your sleepwear is essential for intimate health. So make sure you change and wash your pajamas regularly to prevent irritation and infections.
Wearing Socks to Bed?
Wearing socks to bed can make you feel more comfortable by boosting blood flow to your feet and keeping them warm. So we definitely recommend wearing socks to bed if you generally have cold feet at night and have a hard time falling asleep or even waking up during the night because of that. Avoid tight socks!
Check out the comfiest slouch socks ever!
Go to Bed With Softies
Ready for the best snooze of your life?
What you wear matters when it comes to falling asleep – and staying asleep. Softies’ dreamy selection of luxurious sleepwear is guaranteed to keep you cool, dry and comfortable all night long. In addition, our moisture-wicking Wellness Fabric® keeps sweat at bay, enabling you to fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed.
Experience the Softies difference and try our super-soft, ultra-breathable sleepwear today!
