Between work, school, play, and life’s everyday responsibilities, people often forget exactly how important sleep is. In fact people are sleeping less and less than ever before, with the average adult sleeping only 6 to 7 hours per night compared to an average of about 8 to 9 hours per night during the early 20th century. Why is this?
Well, it seems as though technology has a little something to do with it. In a world that’s absolutely saturated with tech, gizmos, gadgets, and appliances, people are more plugged into technology and plugged out of their body’s natural circadian rhythm. That’s because computers, mobile devices, and other kinds of tech that many people interact with on a daily basis can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle due to cognitive stimulation, which makes it difficult for your brain to “power down”. When your mind is actively in “work mode” it will naturally override any signals that it’s time to sleep.
In a state of cognitive stimulation, your brain kicks into gear and your neurons begin firing off rapidly — the total opposite of what your brain and body needs in order to fall asleep. Furthermore, the physical act of responding to emails, text messages, social media posts, or even playing games on a phone can be stressful and cause the body to tense up.
This is not conducive to sleep, and highly disruptive to the body’s sleep cycle. Additionally, the light emitted from electronic devices passes through the retina of the eye into the part of the brain responsible for creating melatonin, a hormone responsible for making people feel sleepy. All of this near constant stimulation can make it extremely difficult to fall and stay asleep. But hey, welcome to the modern world!
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is a serious condition that affects nearly half of Americans. It may not seem that serious but sufferers of sleep deprivation face much higher risks of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, sleep deprivation can also impact one’s mental health and well being, increasing the likelihood of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
So what can people do in order to get a better’s night sleep? Aside from plugging out and putting down their electronics for at least an hour before bedtime, trying sleeping naked! Yep, you read that right, and a lot of other Americans agree that sleeping in the nude is the way to go. At least 8% of Americans sleep naked, forgoing the popularity of one piece pajamas, pajama onesies, and any other kind of pjs for adults.
Unlike one piece pajamas, sleeping naked consciously and subconsciously puts your body in a more natural state that encourages sleep. And aside from that, it’s a lot easier than having to change into pajamas! Being naked also has been known to make people feel more free and at ease, and this relaxed frame of mind is exactly what both the mind and body need in order to fall sound asleep. Sure, one piece pajamas sure are comfortable, however, nothing beats the feeling of being and sleeping in your birthday suit or dress!
Unsurprisingly, sleeping in the nude can also do wonders for your love and romantic life, especially if you’re looking for ways to spice things up a bit. Skin to skin contact puts you in the mood for love — literally. The act of cuddling or being close to another person and touching their skin, naturally causes your brain to release oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel all lovey dovey and mushy on the inside. It’s a bonding hormone that allows you to feel closer to another person. After all, how sexy do you think it is to come to bed in one piece pajamas compared to baring it all for your significant other?
And for all your beauty buffs out there, sleeping naked can work wonders for your skin. Your armpits, feet, and private areas are confined all day and unable to get the proper air they need.
