Spending more time naked is the stuff of nightmares, particularly those nightmares that involve giving a speech in front of the entire school. Even in the waking world, the idea of wandering around the house naked could make your palms start to sweat. Wearing only your smile may end up putting a bigger grin on your face than you might expect. Various studies have shown how being nude can be good for your physical and mental health. Even more studies have shown that certain items of clothing can have negative health effects. If you aren’t convinced bare is the way to be, check out these benefits of being nude.
BEING NUDE MEANS BETTER SLEEP
Sleeping in the buff can lead to improved sleep quality. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a drop in temperature can help signal your body to sleep, helping you feel drowsy and fall asleep easier. The simplest way to cause a temperature drop? Disrobe.
IMPROVED SELF-ESTEEM
While you might think looking at yourself naked would hurt your body image, it actually does the opposite. One study published in January revealed that people who took part in naturalist or nudist activities had better body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction than those who did not.
Seeing yourself nude gives you time to appreciate the unique and beautiful aspects of your own body, whether it’s a birthmark shaped like Abraham Lincoln or the way your muscles move as you walk. It gives you time to appreciate the gift of your own body.
LESS DISCOMFORT
Certain fashions and types of clothing can affect your health, particularly if they are restrictive. Skinny jeans or too-tight belts can lead to meralgia paresthetica (pinched nerves), causing pain or numbness in your thighs. Other studies have shown skinny jeans can cause dangerous swelling in feet and ankles.
Luckily, nothing’s more comfortable than the skin you’re in. Spending less time in tight clothes can help you avoid painful nerves and weird red marks on your skin. Plus, it’s a lot easier to be nude than to slide into a pair of skinny jeans.
GET HEALTHIER SKIN BY BEING NUDE
Even super comfortable, oh-so-easy-to-wear yoga pants can hurt your skin health. Wearing tight yoga pants or leggings frequently can prevent your sweat glands from working properly. Over time, it can lead to skin infections like intertrigo, folliculitis, rashes and more. Tight clothes can even lead to acne in uncomfortable places.
Wearing your birthday suit has no bad effects on your skin. Being nude can help your skin breathe and work properly, so you have better skin moisture and overall appearance. It can also reduce itchiness and other discomfort.
STRONGER BONES AND IMMUNE SYSTEM
This last benefit of being nude is for the truly brave (or those with a high fence around their home and very few neighbors). Getting some sunshine where the sun doesn’t shine can increase the levels of vitamin D in your body. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, vitamin D can improve bone health, strengthen your immune system, fight cancer and more. Whether you sleep without a stitch or enjoy nature au naturel, being nude can help you enjoy better health and happiness.