Experts warn you should never sleep naked during a heatwave | Weather | News

As the late May heatwave continues, basking in the warm temperatures outdoors during the day can be thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable – yet come bedtime, things can become somewhat challenging. Drifting off to sleep in the heat is no easy feat, and sweltering, sticky nights can leave you feeling thoroughly uncomfortable, even with the windows flung open and a bedside fan whirring away. With temperatures once again reaching the high 20s across the UK today (May 28), it may be tempting to simply strip off and sleep with no clothes on.

However, experts have cautioned that sleeping naked is something you should avoid entirely. Speaking on YouTube, the Love And Love Factory asked: “Ever wondered if sleeping naked during a heatwave is a good idea?”

They proceeded to explain why it’s actually the “worst choice”, elaborating: “You think shedding clothes helps you stay cool, but the opposite is true. Without any fabric, sweat clings to your body.”

Love and Love Factory continued: “Sleeping naked can disrupt your sleep cycle. You might lose more water from sweating. This can lead to dehydration overnight. Clothing can actually absorb that sweat, keeping you cooler.”

Instead, the recommendation is to wear “light, breathable fabrics”, which will assist in drawing moisture away from the skin. “That helps with the evaporation of cooling,” they added. “Light pyjamas can actually help you feel cooler.”

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Kudd.ly, well-being psychologist Suzy Reading lent her support to the advice. “I’d recommend opting for loose fitting, airy, light garments in natural fibres such as cotton, silk, eucalyptus or bamboo,” she said. “I wouldn’t recommend sleeping naked, as much as this might appeal, because sweat then collects on your skin rather than being absorbed by the fibres of your clothing and cooling you down.”

Suzy continued: “In addition to your own body temperature dropping when you sleep, ambient temperature can also drop at night, so light sleepwear will keep you more comfortable and promote better sleep.”

The immediate forecast from the Met Office states: “Early showers across northern and eastern areas will fade, leaving most places dry with prolonged sunshine on Thursday. Cloud will increase over parts of England and Wales, bringing a few showers later, possibly thundery. Widely very warm, feeling hot in the southeast.”

The forecast continues: “Tonight – evening showers slowly clearing eastwards. Cloudy with outbreaks of rain affecting parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, otherwise dry with clear spells. Another warm night, especially in the east.

“Friday – dry with sunny spells for most, however outbreaks of rain will affect the far north, with showers across the southeast, where it will be another very warm day. Cooler elsewhere.”