Rock that birthday suit, girl.
Have you ever went to sleep in your birthday suit? Maybe on those hot summer nights when the AC just wasn’t cutting it?
Well, according to an article on Shape, experts recommend losing the undies during sleep.
“If [the area] is constantly covered — especially by a fabric that’s not moisture-wicking or absorbent — moisture collects,” said Dr. Alyssa Dweck, co-author of V Is For Vagina.
According to Dweck, this is a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast. Yikes! Women who are prone to itching and irritation down there should definitely skip the underwear. And the same goes for men.
“Your drawers keep heat and moisture in — and bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments,” said urologist Brian Steixner.
This lessens the likelihood of skin chaffing or irritation. Plus, it’s also good for sperm production.
And for women going through menopause, sleeping naked — or at least without underwear — should be something they consider. According to Dr. Raquel B. Dardik, clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, this is a time when their vaginal walls begin to thin. In the event of night sweats, they wouldn’t be stuck in cold, wet underwear if they slept in the nude.
Not thrilled at the prospect of going completely nude? Dweck recommends wearing loose-fitting underwear.
“If there’s ever a time to break out the granny panties, this would be the time,” she said.
So go ahead and rock that birthday suit. There’s no shame in it, and you’re keeping yourself healthy while you’re at it.
This post originally appeared on Your Tango: The Crazy Reason You Shouldn’t Sleep With Undies On, Says Experts
