by Alexa Erickson: Society requires us to cover up, some cultures more than others…

We are so used to wearing clothes throughout the day that it almost feels odd when we shed our layers once we get home. One sleep survey found that a mere 8 percent of Americans snooze in the buff, making it surprising to many to learn that sleeping without the confines of clothing can offer a variety of health benefits.

From the many studies to the personal experience, we already know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, but why not round out your rest with the added bonus of sleeping naked? Here are six benefits of baring it all in the name of health:

1. You allow your body to breathe.

We trap our skin beneath tight undergarments, shoes, socks, jeans, button-ups, suits, jackets, scarves, hats, and so much more. We spend our entire day hindering our bodies from airing out. Not providing your body proper breathing room can have some downsides, including clogged pores, skin diseases like athlete’s foot and Intertrigo, and for women, wearing underwear while you sleep traps bacteria and yeast. So when you take it off, you allow your skin to cleanse, and you lessen your chances of yeast infections.

2. Your stress levels will decrease, and you’ll feel closer to your partner.

Cuddling with your significant other is soothing. You feel safe, secure, and connected. And skin-on-skin contact adds an extra level of intimacy, which studies have found can de-stress you even more bylowering blood pressure and relaxing you thanks to the release of the hormone oxytocin. Furthermore, a 2014 survey on married couples discovered that people who slept naked were more satisfied in their relationships.

3. You’ll have better blood flow.

From elastic bands around your waist to tight shirts hugging your chest and arms, clothes undoubtedly cut off your circulation. So it only makes sense that, when you’re naked, your blood is able to flow much more freely throughout your body. When your circulation is optimum, you allow your heart, muscles, and arteries to thrive, as oxygen-rich blood infiltrates them.

4. It prevents excess belly fat.

When you naturally allow your body to cool down at night, you lower your levels of cortisol. Not getting enough sleep, on the other hand, increases your body’s levels of this hormone, leading to comfort food cravings which contribute to belly fat. This can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but by sleeping sans clothing, you work to lower your body temperature, which in turn, promotes a better night’s rest.

5. It boosts self-esteem and acceptance.

The more naked you are, the more comfortable you feel in your skin. When you’re comfortable, you’re accepting of yourself, making your confidence shine. This can, in turn, draw people to your positive aura, making way for deeper connections. One study conducted by the University of Central Florida even found that pro-nudity students felt much more accepting of other religious groups and the LGBT crowd as opposed to anti-nudity students.

6. You’ll sleep better.

Wearing pajamas and sliding under blankets for the night raises your body temperature, which makes it hard to get to sleep and stay asleep, since the body needs a cool environment to reach a deep sleep. One study even found that the regulation of body temperature in bed proved to help participants sleep for longer periods of time.