The Naked Truth: Is Sleeping Without Underwear Good for You?

Happy National Underwear Day! In honor of this cheeky holiday, we're taking a look at the link between vaginal health and underwear. So, let's chat about it! In this blog, we'll be discussing the pros and cons of wearing your tighty whities to bed. 

The Origin of National Underwear Day 

Before we dive in, let's take a quick detour into the history of National Underwear Day. Established on August 5, 2003, the celebration was created to promote body positivity and encourage people to be comfortable in their undies. With the popularity of social media, it's now a day to flaunt your favorite underwear or simply to celebrate the diverse range of underwear styles available to us. 

Fun Underwear Facts

• The average American woman owns 21 pairs of underwear.
• The thong was first introduced in the USA in 1981.
• Women didn’t start wearing underwear until much later than men—it was long considered inappropriate for them to wear anything between their legs.
• We call underwear a "pair" because, in the early 19th century, women’s underwear consisted of two separate legs joined at the waist.
• Before air conditioning, many people had a simple solution for keeping cool: storing their underwear in the freezer. 

Let's Talk Vaginal Health

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty—can sleeping in our underwear impact our vaginal health? Is sleeping without underwear good for you? As women, our choice of undies isn't just about style and comfort. Our underwear can also play a vital role in our vaginal health, particularly when it comes to catching some Z's. 

Related Article: Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?

The Great Debate: To Sleep With or Without Underwear  

If you're anything like us, you've heard conflicting information. According to OB-GYN Dr. Himali Maniar, the answer varies based on personal preference. Some might find sleeping sans underwear more comfortable, while others cannot imagine not wearing their briefs to bed. The key is understanding the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision that's best for you.

“It is believed that sleeping without underwear can be beneficial for vaginal health. Some studies have linked sleeping without underwear with a reduced risk of developing vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.” 

- Dr. Himali Maniar, an OB-GYN at Nisha Women's Hospital

 

@femiclear Commando FTW #womenshealth #girltips #girltalk #HPRadicalReuse ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio

The Benefits of Sleeping Without Underwear 

Are there benefits to sleeping without underwear? Dr. Maniar assures us there are! Choosing to go commando while you sleep can offer several advantages, like better air circulation around your vaginal area and reduced skin irritation. She also mentions that some studies suggest a lower risk of developing vaginal infections when you ditch your panties for bedtime. 

More benefits of sleeping without underwear: 

• Reduces the risk of developing yeast infections 
• Reduces vaginal odor and discomfort 
• Protects your vulva from injury 
• Protects you from allergic reactions or sensitivities 

 Related Article: How to Manage Burning Yeast Infection Symptoms

What Type of Underwear to Avoid at Night? 

@femiclear 100% cotton underwear >> 😍 #girltok #girltips #womenshealth ♬ original sound - Roxie Abernathy 🤠🤘🏻

If you can’t get cozy unless your bits are covered, we totally get it. The good news is you can still safely sleep in your underwear! Dr. Maniar only warns against tight-fitting underwear or synthetic fabrics for bedtime attire. These materials can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast—not exactly what we want for our lady parts! Her advice? Opt for breathable, loose-fitting cotton underwear to keep things airy and comfortable. 

Types of underwear you should try to avoid: 

• Nylon 
• Spandex 
• Thongs 
• G-strings 

The Verdict: Does Sleeping Without Underwear Promote Vaginal Health? 

After all the underwear talk, let's return to the central question: is it beneficial for our vaginal health to sleep without underwear? According to Dr. Maniar, the answer is a resounding yes. Sleeping without underwear can help keep your vagina dry and free from an environment that encourages bacterial or yeast overgrowth. Moreover, some studies link going commando at bedtime with a lower risk of developing vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. 

But remember, whether to sleep with or without underwear ultimately depends on YOU. Both choices come with their own set of benefits and potential downsides. If you choose to sleep with underwear, go for breathable, loose-fitting fabrics like 100% cotton underwear for women. If you're leaning towards sleeping without underwear, you might be taking a healthier option, but it all comes down to personal preference. We hope this insight helps guide your bedtime routine!  

How FemiClear Supports Vaginal Health 

Want to learn how else you can support and maintain your vaginal health? Check out some of our favorite vaginal microbiome-balancing products!

Our Feminine Wash provides daily relief from vaginal itching and irritation caused by yeast infections, menstruation, adventurous sex, and more.