DARE TO GO BARE
So you’ve had the hot bath and the milky drink, your room is dark and quiet, your phone is switched off. These, we’re so often told, are the golden rules for a good night’s sleep. But who knew that sleeping naked could also boost your chances of nodding off fast?
“It’s all about temperature control,” explains sleep expert Sammy Margo. “Especially in winter, you may be tempted to snuggle down in warm winceyette, but your body needs to be cool in order to produce the right amounts of essential sleep hormones, and being too cosy can be more of a hindrance than a help.
“Your optimum room temperature at night should be 16-18°C, but combine warm nightclothes with your top tog winter duvet, and your body temperature could soon be soaring, leaving you to toss and turn, wondering why your bedtime routine has let you down. And it’s more than annoying if you can’t get to sleep – it’s actually bad for your health.
“We all know about the importance of nutrition and exercise, but sleep is every bit as critical for your overall wellbeing. It’s not just about feeling less tired during your waking hours. Research now links poor quality sleep with an increased risk of everything from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimer’s.
“So, even if it means breaking the habit of a lifetime, think about whether it’s worth ditching your pyjamas or nightie and sleeping in the nude.
“Also, if you’re someone who often experiences ‘tropical moments’ in bed, this simple step could make all the difference, and you can reassure yourself that you’re doing one more thing towards keeping all those potential medical problems at bay.”