We live in a world where there are clothes for every occasion, including “home clothes.” With fuzzy jumpers, boxer shorts, lingerie, and “breathable” fabrics, brands advertise that you should look just as good at home as you would outside. But, what if we told you that the best thing you can wear is nothing at all? Here are seven benefits of spending more time at home naked.
1. For A Healthy Relationship With Yourself
We’re all beautiful in our own unique ways. But, the impossible beauty standards of today’s times, as seen in books and magazines, can play tricks on our body image.
Several studies state that spending more time naked has a positive effect on one’s body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. So, whenever you’ve got the time, don’t be hesitant to be naked.1
2. To Burn More Fat
Spending time being naked might just be a good addition to your workout routine, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Recent research indicates that exposing your body to the cold, especially at night, might induce weight loss.
This exposure enhances the functioning of the brown adipose tissue, which converts energy from food into heat. This speeds up your metabolism and energy expenditure, helping you lose weight.
However, be sure to avoid doing this in extremely cold temperatures. The ideal cold exposure does not involve shivering at all.2
3. For A Good Night’s Sleep
The ideal night’s sleep brings up images of being warm under a cozy blanket. But, recent studies have shown that core body temperature might have a role to play in regulating sleep.
These studies indicate that those who have trouble falling asleep, especially insomniacs, have faulty core body temperature regulation. Often, insomniacs have warmer core body temperatures that don’t allow them to sleep easily and cause them to remain in a state of wakefulness.3
Sleeping naked and exposing oneself to the cold is believed to induce sleep by lowering body temperature. However, be sure to avoid trying this when it’s freezing outside.4 5
4. To Promote Breast Health
Wearing a bra might not be the best way to prevent sagging. And, this might seem counter-intuitive when brands are going all out to find better ways to support your “girls.” However, recent research points to the fact that wearing a bra too often might have a negative effect on the muscle tissue in the area.
These studies state that wearing a bra causes the pectoral muscles to get lazy. This weakens the muscles, in turn making the breasts more pliable. This causes them to sag. On the contrary, “freeing” the breasts is believed to stimulate the muscles and force them to work. This is believed to strengthen the breasts.6
Furthermore, sleeping with a bra is linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer by 60%. This is believed to be caused due to the bra cutting off the body’s lymphatic flow and circulation. This, in turn, leads to the development of diseases, particularly breast cancer. So, if you can’t avoid wearing a bra throughout the day, be sure to take it off when you sleep.7
5. For Better Reproductive Health
Genital health is often overlooked or ignored by most of us. But, if you’ve ever come down with an infection or complication “down there,” you’d know that it’s just as important as any other part of the body.
Research indicates that wearing underwear to sleep might lead to vaginitis, a condition that’s characterized by the swelling or infection of the vulva and vagina. In order to prevent this, it is recommended that women avoid wearing underwear to bed. This airs out the vaginal area and prevents any possible breeding of bacteria or yeast.8
For men, wearing underwear to bed is linked to lowered sperm count. And, sleeping naked might improve one’s semen parameters. Besides, going to sleep naked might help you get more comfortable at night.9
6. For A Healthy Relationship With Your Newborn
If you’re breastfeeding, then spending more time without your bra might be beneficial for both you and your child. Research indicates that letting your breasts air dry after feeding might prevent your nipples from getting sore.10
Additionally, skin-to-skin contact with your child is believed to protect the newborn from the negative effects of separation. It also supports optimal brain development, facilitates attachment by releasing oxytocin (the love hormone), and promotes infant self-regulation over time. Hence, it might be a good idea to be naked more often.11
7. To Promote Intimacy In Relationships
Oxytocin which is popularly called “the love hormone,” is linked to increased levels of social interaction, well-being, and anti-stress effects. This hormone is released when newborns have skin-to-skin contact with their mothers. Recent research indicates that the same might hold true for partners as well. Hence, skin contact might promote intimacy and reduce stress in partners.12
With all the stigma around being naked, being comfortable in your own skin might seem impossible. But, the comfort and privacy of your own home is a good place to start. Additionally, you don’t have to bare it all each time you’re home. Instead, you can try going shirtless, sleeping without underwear, and taking off your bra more often.
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