What you wear to bed can be a matter of personal taste and style, but comfort should be at the forefront of your mind. There are a lot of options, from an old t-shirt to an expensive silk pajama set and cute cotton summer pajama sets. Ultimately, you should wear what you sleep best in, but here are some ideas for choosing sleepwear.
Consider the Temperature
Temperature is a crucial factor in sleeping well. You will wake up more frequently if it’s too cold or too warm. Studies find that both situations disrupt sleep, but that being too warm is worse.
For hot nights, choose lighter fabrics that breathe and wick away moisture. These will help you stay cool and include silk, bamboo materials, and synthetic performance materials, like Tencel modal or micro modal.
It goes without saying that flannel is for winter pajama sets. Unless you live somewhere that is cold year-round or have a partner who likes to crank the air conditioning, save it for winter. Fleece and thermal knits are also good for cold nights.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort includes temperature but also how the fabric makes you feel. Many people like silk or satin pajama sets for the comfort factor. Avoid anything that feels uncomfortable on your skin. For instance, lace pajamas might be pretty, but they can irritate your skin.
Your pajamas should feel comfortable to wear, not just in terms of the material but also the fit. Aim for something that is somewhere between tight and baggy. Pajamas that are too loose can get you all tangled up at night, while tight sleepwear is uncomfortable and can cause circulation problems.
What to Avoid in Sleep Wear
Avoid uncomfortable fabrics and ditch pretty pajamas in favor of comfort. Also, skip the bra and underwear. The former is restricting and uncomfortable, while the latter inhibits air circulation and can even lead to infections.
Avoid buttons, zippers, and snaps that can press against you as you sleep, and too-tight elastic that can chafe. Any decorative detail has the potential to cause discomfort.
Should You Go Nude?
There is no rule that says you have to wear anything to sleep. If you have the right bed linens, you can be perfectly comfortable sleeping in the nude any time of year. Some people enjoy the freedom of ditching pajamas. If you have always felt a little uncomfortable wearing pajamas in bed, try nude sleeping.
Some of the potential benefits include greater intimacy with your partner and better airflow to prevent infections. Of course, if you find it easier to sleep this way, you’ll also benefit from sleeping more restfully each night.
For more tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, check out the BetterSleep app. Enjoy the relaxing bedtime stories that transport you away from your daily worries. Use the guided meditations to reduce stress and anxiety before bed. Create your own personalized mix of music and sounds that help you drift off to sleep.
