Why Sleeping Without Panties Is Good For You

Sleeping without underwear, or going commando, is a topic that has sparked debates about health, comfort, and personal preference. While some people find it more comfortable to wear underwear to bed, others argue that sleeping without it has several benefits, including improved vaginal health and reduced risk of infections.

Preventing infections and irritation

The skin in the vulva and vaginal area is delicate, making it vulnerable to irritation from a wide range of products and conditions. Vaginal infections are common, with itching and unusual discharge being tell-tale signs that something is not quite right.

To prevent infections and irritation, it is important to preserve the delicate balance of organisms in the vagina. Here are some tips to try:

• Keep the vaginal area dry. Towel dry after a bath or shower, and change out of wet clothes promptly after swimming or working out.
• Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear during the day. Cotton underwear breathes better than synthetic fabrics, allowing the vaginal area to stay dry and preventing bacteria and yeast from growing.
• If you are prone to yeast infections, vaginal infections, or irritation, consider sleeping without underwear. Sleeping with underwear can lead to moisture buildup, providing an environment for bacteria and yeast to grow, which can cause infections.
• Wash your pubic area gently with warm water. Avoid using soap on your vulva, and never use soap inside your vagina.
• Use condoms during sex to prevent new organisms from entering your vagina.
• Clean reusable products like menstrual cups, diaphragms, and sex toys carefully after each use.
• Take probiotics or eat more yogurt to boost levels of healthy bacteria in your body.
• Do not douche. Douching can disrupt the natural balance of organisms in your vagina, allowing unhealthy bacteria and fungi to grow. Remember, the vagina is self-cleaning.

Reducing bacterial and yeast infections

Sleeping without underwear can help reduce bacterial and yeast infections. This is because excess moisture around the genitals may lead to increased yeast infections, irritation, and pH changes due to bacterial overgrowth. By going commando, you allow the area to air out and stay dry, preventing moisture buildup that can cause infections.

To reduce the risk of bacterial and yeast infections, it is also recommended to:

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen.
• Practice good hygiene by cleaning your vulva and vagina regularly with mild, perfume-free soap and water.
• Avoid using scented products or deodorants in the intimate area, as these can irritate the skin and make infections worse.
• Limit your sugar intake, as sugar can throw off the pH balance in your vaginal area, creating an environment for yeast to thrive.
• Avoid tight clothing, as it can trap heat and moisture, providing an ideal environment for yeast infections.
• Avoid sitting in sweaty or wet clothes for too long, as this creates a moist environment that yeast thrives in.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as yeast infections can occur in skin folds in the nether regions if not kept dry.

Protecting the vulva from injury

Not wearing underwear to bed can be beneficial for preventing excess moisture around the genitals, which can lead to yeast infections, irritation, and pH changes due to bacterial overgrowth. This is especially true if you wear lace or non-cotton underwear, or use liners during the day, as these do not allow for much airflow.

However, there are risks to not wearing underwear, particularly if you are engaging in activities that could result in trauma to the vulva. A straddle injury, for example, occurs when a person hits their vulva or perineum on an object with enough force to cause injury. This can happen during a fall or accident, and typically causes pain, bleeding, bruising, or swelling.

To protect the vulva from injury, it is recommended to:

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or underwear made from synthetic materials. Instead, opt for loose-fitting clothing and underwear made from natural materials such as cotton or bamboo, especially if you are engaging in activities that could result in trauma to the vulva.
• Keep the area clean and dry. Excess moisture can lead to bacterial overgrowth and infection, so it is important to maintain proper hygiene.
• Avoid using soaps and wipes that are not pH-balanced, as this can lead to bacterial growth, odour, and other conditions.
• Be cautious when shaving or waxing the pubic area. Cuts or tears in the skin can be caused by hair removal methods such as shaving or waxing. If you do choose to remove pubic hair, it is recommended to use a clean razor with a sharp blade, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid lying down while shaving.
• Take care during sexual activity. Vaginal tears and cuts can occur during penetrative sex, especially if there is friction or dryness. Using a water or silicone-based lubricant and ensuring both partners are relaxed and aroused can help reduce the risk of injury.
• Be mindful of any medications or skin conditions that may increase the likelihood of vaginal tears. For example, oral corticosteroids can cause the skin to weaken and thin over time, making it more prone to tearing.

Reducing vaginal odour and discomfort

Reducing Vaginal Odour

Vaginal odour is normal and healthy, but sometimes it can be stronger than usual. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Forgetting to remove a tampon
• Hormone changes (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)
• Rectovaginal fistula
• Unfamiliar soaps, detergents, body washes, or toilet paper
• Dehydration
• Diet
• Tight clothing
• Antibiotics
• Sexual activity
• Practice good hygiene by showering or bathing regularly, and wiping from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina.
• Avoid washing inside your vagina with water, soap, or fragrant soaps, as this can upset the natural bacterial balance and pH.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free soap on the vulva only.
• Change underwear daily, or whenever they become sweaty or soiled, and wash them with unscented products.
• Shower after sweating, as trapped sweat can increase odour.
• If there is an unpleasant odour, wash the vulva with water.
• Use a washcloth to gently wipe the area between showers.
• Avoid inserting soap into the vagina, as this can affect vaginal pH and lead to infections and odour.
• Use internal menstruation products, as maxi pads and reusable cloth pads can trap odour and moisture, increasing the risk of infection.
• Change menstrual products frequently.
• After sex, rinse the vulva with water (do not douche) and avoid scented or flavoured lubricants.
• Consume probiotics, which support healthy bacteria and may help prevent yeast infections.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, including thongs, as these can trap moisture and encourage the spread of bacteria. Instead, opt for breathable cotton underwear.
• Cut back on sugar and stay hydrated, as sugar can trigger yeast overgrowth and water prevents bacterial overgrowth.

Reducing Vaginal Discomfort

Vaginal discomfort can be caused by various factors, including:

• Vaginal dryness
• Chemical irritants, such as scented soaps
• Yeast infections
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Skin conditions
• Low estrogen levels
• Use water-based lubricants or estrogen creams to relieve vaginal dryness.
• Avoid exposure to irritants such as scented soaps, intimate washes, sprays, pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.
• Try cortisone cream for itching after shaving pubic hair (do not apply inside the vagina).
• Wear cotton underwear, which is breathable and can help prevent yeast infections.
• Take probiotic supplements or eat probiotic-rich foods to promote the growth of healthy bacteria.
• Use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties (do not use if you have sensitive skin).
• Use over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories to relieve itching.
• Practise good vaginal hygiene by washing only the outside of the vagina with warm water, avoiding scented soaps, gels, and cleansers, and not douching unless advised by a doctor.

Lowering body temperature

Not wearing underwear to bed can help lower body temperature by reducing moisture build-up and allowing the body to breathe. This is particularly beneficial for those who are very active or sweaty during the day, as it can prevent yeast infections, bacterial overgrowth, and irritation.

• Drink cool liquids, such as water or iced tea, to cool the body internally and prevent dehydration, which can increase body heat.
• Move to an area with cooler air or air conditioning to allow the body to lose heat through convection.
• Take a cool bath or shower, or apply cold water or ice to key points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, chest, and temples, to quickly lower blood temperature.
• Wear lighter, more breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which allow heat to escape from the body more easily than synthetic fabrics.
• Consume cooling foods and drinks, such as peppermint tea, coconut water, buttermilk, and fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries.
• Practice the Sitali pranayama breathing technique: curl the sides of your tongue and breathe in through your mouth, then exhale through your nose. This has a cooling effect on both the body and mind.

By combining these strategies with sleeping without underwear, you can effectively lower your body temperature and improve your comfort, especially during hot weather.

Frequently asked questions