Many families will be getting their Christmas pyjamas ready to keep comfy and warm as temperatures take a sharp dip over the winter months. But a word of warning to those sleeping in festive pyjamas as their thick material will lead to an increase in sweat which can create a bacteria-ridden bed.
The optimum temperature to sleep in is between 17 to 19 degrees but many festive pyjamas are made out of thick material like fleece. Not only can this significantly raise body temperature during the night, but it can also cause sore skin and create an unpleasant odour.
Rebecca Swain, mattress expert from Winstons Beds, said: “While many of us love to get festive and put on matching pyjamas at Christmas, we want to provide a word of caution to those wearing them to sleep.
“While they can be a great way to keep warm during the chilly weather, our body temperature will naturally rise throughout the night, going beyond the optimum sleeping temperature of 17 to 19 degrees.
“The thick material can create a sweaty and uncomfortable environment to sleep in which can also welcome nasty critters like dust mites.”
Here are three health-related reasons you should avoid wearing Christmas pyjamas to bed, according to the experts at Winstons Beds.
1. Dust mites
Sleeping in pyjamas means you’re more likely to sweat due to the blistering temperatures.
Not only is this unpleasant to sleep in but it’s also extremely unhygienic.
2. Sweaty sleep
One of the main issues of sleeping above the optimum sleep temperature is a sweaty night’s sleep. Not only is this unpleasant to sleep in but it’s also extremely unhygienic.
3. Sore skin
Most Christmas pyjamas are made out of thick, fleecy materials which can cause our skin to become sore and itchy during the night as our body temperatures rise. This can aggravate the skin and lead to rashes.
Some other reasons
Foul odour
Sleeping consistently in pyjamas can create a foul, sweaty odour on the bed sheets and on the clothing material itself.
It can be worse in the thicker materials like fleece where it’s harder to wash the smell out.
Mattress damage
If you start to sweat in thick pyjamas, the fluids can seep through to the mattress during the night which can damage the material and leave yellow stains, causing your mattress to deteriorate much quicker.
Benefits of sleeping naked
A better option may be to strip off when you head to bed. While there’s limited research on the health effects of sleeping naked, some studies do suggest potential benefits.
The Sleep Foundation said it may potentially improve sleep, the health of your skin, male fertility and vaginal health.