Experts reveal seven reasons you shouldn't sleep in your underwear or risk health issues

Are you someone who can’t imagine going to bed without your underwear on? You may want to reconsider. According to health experts, sleeping in your underwear can lead to a surprising number of painful or irritating health issues.

Here are seven reasons why sleeping without underwear might be the healthier choice for you.

1. Increased Risk of Yeast Infections and UTIs

One of the main reasons to skip underwear at night is to reduce your risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Underwear, even breathable cotton, can trap heat and moisture around your genital area. This creates a warm, moist environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive.

Experts recommend letting this area "air out" overnight to give your body a break from clingy fabrics and lower the chances of recurrent infections.

2. Skin Irritation and Rashes

Nighttime is when your skin rests and repairs itself. Wearing underwear can disrupt this process. Fabrics like lace, synthetic materials, or tight elastic can rub against your skin as you move in your sleep. When you add sweat to the mix, this friction can lead to redness, rashes, and even fungal infections. This is especially true for people with skin conditions like eczema.

3. Potential for Lowered Sperm Count

For men, sleeping in underwear can negatively affect male fertility. The testicles need to be kept at a cooler temperature (around 95°F or 35°C) for optimal sperm production. Underwear can trap heat, raising the temperature of the scrotum. Studies have shown that even a slight increase in scrotal temperature can impair spermatogenesis and lead to a decreased sperm count.

4. Lack of Air Circulation

Proper ventilation is crucial for your skin's health. Underwear can restrict airflow, trapping sweat and bacteria close to the skin. This lack of circulation can lead to issues like folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), blocked pores, body odor, and acne-like breakouts in the groin area.

5. Disrupted Sleep Quality

If you're not comfortable, you won't get quality sleep. Underwear can twist, bunch up, or dig into your skin, causing discomfort that interrupts your rest. Poor sleep quality has been linked to a number of issues, including fatigue, poor focus, and irritability.

6. Risk of Fungal Infections

Fungal infections like thrush thrive in warm, damp, and dark environments. If you wear the same underwear to bed that you've worn all day, you are more susceptible to developing a fungal infection. By sleeping without them, you are eliminating the perfect breeding ground for these microbes.

7. Possible Hormone Disruption

Many types of underwear are made from synthetic fibers that are treated with chemicals, dyes, and finishes. These chemicals can be absorbed by the skin, potentially disrupting your endocrine system and hormone balance. While long-term risks are still being studied, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary exposure, especially during the 6 to 9 hours you are asleep.

The Bottom Line

To let your skin breathe and reduce the risk of infection, consider sleeping without underwear. If going completely nude isn't for you, opt for light, loose-fitting cotton pajamas that allow for better airflow.