Why you should never sleep with underwear, according to an anaesthesiologist

Do you sleep with pyjamas, or prefer to feel more free? Do you wear underwear to bed, or do you like the feeling of being without? It's all down to personal preference and choice, but according to one anaesthesiologist, there's a rule you should be following when it comes to sleeping attire.

Anaesthesiologist Dr David Callejo, based in Spain, has urged people to sleep without underwear, stating there's an important reason. In a recent clip to his TikTok account, he shared: "Sleeping without underwear is good for your health. It can help prevent infections."

With summer well and truly here, people might adjust their sleeping habits to feel more comfortable. The UK has experienced three heatwaves so far, and many people might wonder if they should sleep with or without underwear. According to the health expert, sleeping without underwear could actually have medical benefits.

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The anaesthesiologist explained that while this is true for both men and women, there are different reasonings for both. He explained that "testicles need to be about two degrees below body temperature to function properly". According to the doctor, wearing tight underwear at night can increase the temperature of the area, which can affect reproductive health. "Sleeping without briefs helps keep testicles away from the body, cool, and working at full capacity," he added.

For women, he claims sleeping without knickers "reduces moisture and friction in the intimate area," which can help prevent infections such as candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis by better maintaining the natural balance of vaginal flora.

"The goal is to allow the body to breathe," Callejo states. Although there's no one-size-fits-all rule, and each person should choose what is most comfortable for them, there is medical evidence to support the benefits of freeing the skin of barriers at night.

When it comes to sleeping with or without underwear, there seems to be differing opinions in the health community. Dr Sherry Ross, gynaecologist and author, said there's "no right or wrong answer to whether you decide to sleep with our without underwear, and it's all down to personal preference.

For example, if you're someone with a lot of vaginal discharge, you may want to sleep with underwear. And those with male genitals might start to experience discomfort if they go commando due to compression from their thighs if they toss and turn in their sleep. Also, if you don't wear underwear, and your genitals are making direct contact with your sheets, you might need to wash them more frequently.

Meanwhile, Dr Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, told HuffPost: "Sleeping in soiled underwear can contribute to skin irritations or even infections."

When making your decision, or changing your sleep habits, you should use common sense and think about hygiene. Maintaining proper ventilation in the bedroom, frequently changing bed linen, and ensuring that the environment is clean are essential measures to avoid discomfort or infections.

And as a reminder, it is always best to consult our healthcare professional so they can assess our case and provide information tailored to our circumstances.