Sleep is one of life’s most precious commodities. But in our modern lives, we face many challenges when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. From excessive commitments and obligations that keep our minds racing at night to the lack of a peaceful sleeping environment, these obstacles can interfere with getting the proper amount of Z’s. This, in turn, can carry over to impact our daytime productivity. Lack of sleep can even have major repercussions on our mental and physical health and wellness.
The good news? There are some things you can do to set yourself up to sleep better. At the top of the list? Stock up on comfy sleepwear. Read on to learn more about what makes sleepwear comfortable, why it matters so much, and how to identify the coziest pajamas.
Many factors go into determining whether pajamas — including nightgowns, nightshirts, and other types of sleepwear — meet the standard for comfort. At the end of the day, it comes down to one thing above all else: Does it feel good to wear?
While this may vary from person to person, there are some general themes, including the following:
Fit:
If you’ve ever tried to sleep in pajamas that were too large or small (or that were poorly made or manufactured), you know this can amount to tugging, pulling, and fussing — not to mention plenty of tossing and turning.
Additionally, design details like buttons, snaps, and tags can interfere with sleep if they’re itchy, irritating, or intrusive. At the same time, elastic can cut off your circulation or slip off in the middle of the night, depending on its fit.
To avoid these and other situations, seek out high-quality, well-made sleepwear. The more care and attention that goes into the design and making of your pajamas, the more likely they are to fit the way you want them to.
Design:
Not all sleepwear is created equal. From nightgowns and sleepshirts to pajama pants, leggings, and shorts, various designs and cuts feel different. Of course, this depends on your body type and personal preferences, too. If you’re shopping for comfortable sleepwear, it’s first important to consider what cut of loungewear feels best to you. Do you prefer loose, long sleeves? Or, perhaps you like tighter nightgowns that stay in place. No matter what you choose, be sure to try it on to ensure the silhouette is comfortable for you.
Fabric:
Like clothing, sleepwear is available in many types of fabric. Some even serve particular needs. For example, if you live in a cold climate or keep your bedroom on the cooler side, flannel may be an excellent choice that supports good sleep. However, in a warm environment, it can have the opposite effect. A stiff, cheap, itchy, or irritating fabric, meanwhile, can also prevent you from sleeping well. This is why it’s so important to consider materials when selecting your pajamas.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular fabrics used in sleepwear:
Cotton:
Lightweight cotton is a go-to choice for people in all climates for several reasons. For starters, cotton PJs are extremely soft to the touch. This material is also breathable, which means it remains cool against your skin — even when temperatures soar. Plus, cotton is durable and easy to care for, allowing it to hold up to many washes and wears.
Another benefit of cotton for pajamas is that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a nightgown, pajama short set, or another sleeping ensemble, you’re sure to find it in a cotton fabric.
Silk:
Known as the gold standard of sleepwear, silk is the ultimate luxury. It’s also a natural and hypoallergenic material that’s super-soft and gentle on the skin. For many people, silk pajamas are the next best thing to wearing nothing at all!
Silk is also a remarkably breathable fabric. If you’re prone to overheating and sweating while you sleep, a silk nightgown or silk pajama set can offer relief. If you’ve ever had the sublime experience of sliding between silk sheets, silk sleepwear provides the same extraordinary sensation. One last reason to love silk pajamas? They’re environmentally friendly. If worries about the future of the planet are keeping you up at night, sleeping in silk PJs can ease both the body and mind.
Sleeping in sumptuous silk has benefits for your skin and hair, too. Its smooth, even, and friction-free surface helps prevent wrinkles and hair breakage, while the breathable fibers have hydrating properties. Additionally, silk is chemical-free and naturally microbial, so you’ll feel fresh every time you wear it.
All of these qualities add up to a true everyday luxury. Given these allures, it’s hardly surprising that people like Gisele Bündchen and Kim Kardashian all favor silk for sleeping.
Knit:
A popular pick in cold weather climates as well as for kids, knit sleepwear is known for being especially comfortable and cozy. Knit pajamas are also extremely stretchy, offering flexibility and freedom of movement. Knit pajamas can be found in a wide range of styles, colors, prints, and patterns. While this may not directly relate to your quality of sleep, we all know we feel better when we’re wearing clothing that we love.
Cozy Pajamas Help You Fall Asleep Faster
It makes sense that being comfortable makes it easier to relax, and being relaxed makes it easier to sleep. But did you know that there’s science that backs up the assertion that cozy pajamas can even help you fall asleep faster?
Scientists have determined that sleepwear made from moisture-wicking fabrics can help you go to sleep significantly faster than alternatives. While wool fared surprisingly well in the findings, silk has been hailed as the “magical thermoregulator” by the National Sleep Foundation.
Comfortable Pajamas Help You Sleep Longer
In addition to helping you fall asleep faster, comfy pajamas also help you sleep longer while enjoying a better quality of rest. The fewer the interruptions, the better and more deeply you’ll sleep. Considering that the average healthy adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night (and most people get far less than that), we need all the help we can get! In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep.
Beyond Pajamas: Healthy Sleep Tips
While pajamas can play a critical role in helping you sleep longer and better, there are some other ways to promote healthy sleep, too. These include the following sleep hygiene tips from the National Sleep Foundation:
- Set and stick with a consistent sleep schedule on weekdays and weekends alike.
- Establish a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. The more relaxed you are when you get into bed, the more likely you are to fall asleep quickly.
- Invest in a supportive and comfortable mattress, as well as high-quality bedding and pillows.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment by maintaining a comfortable temperature and aroma while minimizing light, sound, and other potential disruptions.
- At least a half-hour or more before going to bed, take a “technology time-out” by disconnecting from your devices.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Don’t look at the clock! While the inability to sleep is a frustrating feeling, watching the clock only makes it worse.
According to Wayne Giles, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of Population Health, “As a nation, we are not getting enough sleep. Lifestyle changes such as going to bed at the same time each night; rising at the same time each morning; and turning off or removing televisions, computers, mobile devices from the bedroom, can help people get the healthy sleep they need.”
Clearly, good sleep matters…a lot. This is especially true when you consider the consequences of poor sleep, which include the following:
- Poor sleep is associated with the consumption of more calories and weight gain.
- Poor sleep interferes with concentration and productivity.
- Poor sleep is linked with lower athletic performance.
- Poor sleepers have an increased risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Poor sleep is associated with mental health issues. In fact, 90 percent of people who suffer from depression complain about sleep problems.
- Poor sleep can weaken your immune function and increase your chances of getting sick.
- Poor sleep can lead to long-term inflammatory issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
The takeaway? Even seemingly small changes — like wearing comfortable pajamas — can have a positive impact. Not to mention that a series of minor adjustments can add up to a significant improvement in your overall sleep quality.
While a good night’s sleep may seem like an elusive (and sometimes impossible) pursuit, the truth is that it’s not only possible, but it’s also within your control! Selecting the right pajamas is a thoughtful first step in prioritizing the quality of your sleep. You won’t just be brighter-eyed and more prepared to face the day; you’ll also enjoy the multitude of health benefits that go along with good sleep.
