Getting a good night’s sleep is key to good health. Without it all bodily functions suffer. Chronic pain often prevents us from achieving that goal. From falling asleep, to staying asleep, to its quality. That’s why it’s so important to understand how investing in- mattresses, linens, sound machines, eye masks, ear buds, blankets, pillows, and more can make a significant difference. Now let’s talk about what we actually wear to bed.
Pajamas have been around since the Ottoman Empire. They were quickly adopted by visiting Europeans but didn’t spread to the western world until the 20th century. Now they are a part of most nighttime rituals.
It may seem silly. Most of us grab a worn-out T-shirt before crawling between the sheets. This might be a mistake. Unlike other nighttime items, pajamas actually rest on our bodies, all night long. Picking the right cloth, fit and breathability is imperative. And it may change depending on the time of year.
Body temperature fluctuates throughout the night. Different materials can help adjust to these changes. Some products boast moisture wicking properties. This means the skin can breathe and move heat away from our bodies, keeping us cool and dry. I’ve always wondered why it should matter what the temperature is outside if it’s regulated inside. But summer to winter does seem to affect some of us differently and change what fabric works best with each season.
They come in a variety of options and styles:
- T-shirt
- Boxers/underwear
- Tops and bottoms
- Nightgown
- Oversized top
- Sweatpants
- Tank top
- One piece with and without feet
- Negligee/lingerie
Here are some options that may impact the decision when picking your next pajama.
Fabrics
Cotton. It’s all natural, spun from a boll off the flower. Is absorbent and breathable and transmits moisture away from the body, keeping us cool and dry. At least 60% cotton is considered “cotton rich.” It doesn’t hold onto odors, it’s easy to wash, wears well and helps us to maintain our body temperature throughout the night.
Fleece. A synthetic material, it evokes the fluffy, insulating wool of sheep. It’s usually made from polyester, but 100% organic cotton fleece is also available. Lightweight, ultra soft and it has moisture wicking properties, but it traps heat, so it’s not good for those prone to sweating.
Lyocell and modal. Made from the pulp of plants like eucalyptus and beech. These materials are wonderfully soft and are known for their breathability and moisture wicking properties. Be careful to make sure they aren’t chemically treated or blended with other chemically treated fabrics.
Flannel. On cold, winter nights I love flannel pajamas, sheets, and blankets. They feel warm and cozy. It’s also soft and breathable. Because it’s excellent at trapping heat while allowing moisture to evaporate, it can be too hot for those who need cooling down throughout the night. And due to friction and washing, it can pill.
Wool. We are so used to hearing how warm this material can keep us in cold weather, and it tends to be the go-to fabric for cold weather apparel. But wool is also great for pajamas because they prevent overheating by naturally wicking moisture and heat. They’re soft and smooth on the skin.
Bamboo. From this amazing plant comes a surprisingly soft and moisture wicking material, perfect for sheets, pillowcases and clothes. It’s also hypoallergenic for those in need and may have antibacterial properties. It has both moisture wicking and thermo-regulating abilities.
Linen. Pure linen is incredibly soft and breathable. It also has natural heat and moisture wicking properties. More so than any other material. Making it the perfect fabric to wear for those prone to night sweats and hot summer nights. But it wrinkles easily and can cost more.
Silk. It feels soft and luxurious against our skin. And it’s great at regulating temperature, keeping us warm on cold nights and cool on warm nights because it can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before feeling moist. But it can feel slippery, expensive and require dry cleaning. Look for washable silk products.
Performance blends. These blend a combination of lightweight materials woven to allow sweat to move through and out of the fabric so it can evaporate. This leaves skin cool and dry. They are usually water, stain, mold and mildew resistant. But they can be treated with dangerous chemicals-PFAS– to make them perform so well.
Synthetic. A cheap alternative like polyester, spandex, nylon have lower sweat- wicking ability as opposed to natural fibers. This keeps sweat on the skin where it can evaporate and cool but might leave you feeling cold and clammy. But they also have a natural resistance to wrinkles.
Wrinkle free. Sounds good. But the treatment used to make it stronger and wrinkle resistant is due to a process that bathes them in a highly toxic chemical that than releases tiny amounts of formaldehyde. Yes, it’s the same product used by morticians to embalm bodies after death, a known carcinogen.
Comfort is key
Avoid:
Poor fit. Anything binding or too tight will are uncomfortable during the day, why would we want one at night? And if it decreases circulation, it’ll just increase pain and swelling. Too loose is just as bad as they can get all tangled up.
Accessories. These are great on an outfit. But buttons, tags, and snaps can be itchy, irritating and damaging to skin. None of these are required in any pajama. They may look good, but a good night’s sleep is the real priority.
Elastic. Often used to cinch in the waist, make sure they aren’t too tight causing chafing and pressure. Or, too loose, falling down as you toss and turn. Either can be an irritant that prevents a good night’s sleep.
Lace. Sexy lingerie may be tantalizing before sleep, when sleep isn’t the goal. But afterwards they can be an irritant or fit too tight. At that point, slip into something more comfortable and conducive to sleep.
Underwear. These can be a nesting place for bacteria and yeast when worn all day and night without relief. Plus, they can be confining. Not a fan of going to bed without? Try cotton boxers instead. They’ll let your private parts breath.
Bra. I can absolutely promise you the old wives’ tale that wearing a bra to sleep will prevent sagging is false! It will just bind and chafe all night long, just like they do all day. If absolutely needed for large breasted ladies, use a cotton, light weight sleep bra.
Makeup. Go to bed with fresh, clean, washed skin. Make up and oils from the day get into pajamas, linens, and pillows. That can then clog pores, contributing to acne. Going to bed with mascara may look great but it can irritate and scratch the eyes.
Wash PJs. They are the only clothes we wear every day. Keeping them clean is a priority. Especially when we realize we shed skin cells, sweat, release oils, and drool all night long. Washing them regularly is an important part of our hygiene routine.
Detergents and softeners. Steer clear of harsh or fragrant products. They may smell wonderful, but both can cause an allergic reaction, increase wear and tear and leave behind toxic chemicals nobody wants near their face or bodies.
What about sleeping au natural?
Sleeping in your birthday suit allows everything to breath, eliminates constricting items that can hinder blood flow allowing improved circulation and less potential for skin irritants that can cause acne, rashes, and yeast infections. It also keeps us cool which can improve metabolism. If nothing has helped your sleep, skin irritations, night sweats this might be worth trying.
Whatever you choose, getting a good night’s sleep is all that matters.
-https://sleepdoctor.com/sleep-faqs/what-to-wear-to-bed/
-https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/g543/best-pajamas/
-https://www.sleepadvisor.org/what-to-wear-to-bed/