Sleeping Naked Increases Testosterone: Myth or Fact?
Guys will do pretty much anything to increase testosterone levels, from taking anabolic steroids to swallowing sketchy gas station T boosters. A rumor circulating on TikTok that sleeping naked can increase testosterone levels even has some guys sleeping in the buff.
One small study suggests that cold exposure within 20 minutes of exercise might temporarily shock your body into boosting your T levels (1). But shivering butt naked in bed won’t do the trick, experts say.
That said, sleeping naked has plenty of other benefits.
Potential Benefits of Sleeping Naked
Researchers haven’t asked guys to strip naked and catch some Zs for science yet. But data supports staying cool during your sleep and letting your junk breathe—both of which can be achieved by snoozing commando.
Better sleep quality
“Sleeping is tied to your body temperature, so the lower your core body temperature is the greater likelihood that you’ll be in a restorative, deep sleep,” Allison Brager, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and sleep expert said on the FITAID podcast. “If you’re sleeping naked, there’s less issue with your pajamas being too hot.”
Better overall health
Getting enough sleep promotes immune system function and helps your body produce growth hormones to repair muscles and tissue, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And the National Institutes of Health says that sleep deficiency may even increase your risk for chronic health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Increased fertility
Sleeping in tight briefs? Your sperm might be suffering.
Guys who wore loose-fitting boxers had up to 25 percent higher sperm count and 17 percent higher sperm count compared to those who opted for tighter underwear, according to a 2018 Harvard study (2). Researchers suspect this is because your balls need to be around 5.4 degrees cooler than the rest of your body for optimal sperm production (3).
Briefs that keep your testicles close to the rest of your body could be throwing off their temp. Take this as a sign to let ‘em hang (in the privacy of your own home of course).
Better Ways to Boost Testosterone
Getting enough sleep and still waking up feeling exhausted? You might be suffering from low testosterone.
Eating the right foods and exercise can help elevate testosterone. But if your levels are clinically below where they should be for your age, you may need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to get them back to where they should be.
The only way to know for sure is to have your T levels tested. Hone’s at-home assessment tests for free and total testosterone levels so you can know what’s really going on with your hormones.
Once you complete your assessment, one of the physicians that works with Hone will go over your results with you. If you qualify for treatment, they may prescribe TRT or other therapies.
Hone’s at-home testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. If you qualify for treatment, TRT can be sent right to your door.
References
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Russell, et al (2017). The Effects of a Single Whole-Body Cryotherapy Exposure on Physiological, Performance, and Perceptual Responses of Professional Academy Soccer Players After Repeated Sprint Exercise.
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Minguez-Alarcon, et al (2018). Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center.
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Jones, et al (2014). The Male Reproductive System.
