Experts Explain Why It's Better Not To Sleep In Your Underwear

Apparently, sleeping in your underwear is quite a divisive issue. Or so we were led to believe, based on the arguments that broke out in our office over the hot topic.  

So, what's the deal? Is it better to go to bed in panties or fall asleep commando? 

"I often tell my patients to sleep without underwear," Dr. Alyssa Dweck, co-author of V is for Vagina, told Shape. "If [the area] is constantly covered -- especially by a fabric that’s not moisture-wicking or absorbent -- moisture collects, [creating the] perfect breeding ground for bacteria or yeast,” she continued. 

This is especially true for women going through menopause. "The more you wear, the more you have to take off when you get night sweats,” Dr. Raquel B. Dardik, clinical associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center told Grandparents.com. 

And if you're a lady who is prone to itching and irritation down there, gynecologist and blogger Dr. Kate really recommends skipping the underwear to let your nether regions breathe.

Does the same go for men, too?

Pretty much. Brian Steixner, M.D., a urologist based in Atlantic City, N.J., told MensHealth.com, "Your drawers keep heat and moisture in -- and bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. More bacteria makes for a higher likelihood that any chafed or irritated skin down there becomes infected."

But for guys, sleeping commando could also be better for sperm production. "Your scrotum needs to be just the right temperature in order to optimize sperm production," says Dr. Steixner. When men sleep in underwear, their testicles can become too warm, thus compromising the quality of their sperm. 

However, If you're married to wearing underpants to bed, make sure you opt for breathable cotton options, or loose boxers. 

So, do you wear underpants to bed?

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