You need a consistent bedtime schedule to sleep well at night. But only that is never going to be enough. What you wear to bed is also equally important. You have to wear the right sleeping wear.
Focus on Fabric
First and foremost, choose sleepwear that feels good when you put it on. For instance, you cannot get good sleep if you dislike the slippery sensation of silk. What your sleep attire is made of can also regulate your body temperature in the night, and this in turn, can promote better slumber. So consider the following fabrics.
Cotton
This all-natural fabric is lightweight and soft to the touch. It is also breathable, allowing for air circulation, and doesn’t irritate the skin. However, cotton does a poor job of insulating and may make you cold if you wear it in a cooler climate without adequate blankets. It’s also inefficient at wicking away moisture. So it might be a good option if you sweat at night.
Silk
This fabric is a magical thermoregulator: It can keep you warm when you are cold and cool when you are hot. That said, real silk is costly and requires dry-cleaning. It’s also slippery, and may move around while you sleep.
Flannel
For colder months, a pair of pajamas made from this soft fabric may be just what you need. The material is comfortable and provides warmth and breathability, so it can help you stay toasty without overheating.
Moisture-Wicking
Try moisture-wicking sleepwear if you get hot when you sleep or if you have night sweats. These materials draw water away from the skin, helping your body to regulate its own temperature.
Bamboo
This fabric, spun from fibers of the plant, feels soft and silky on the skin. It’s a natural moisture-wicker, so it keeps you at a comfortable temperature. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and may have anti-bacterial properties that are beneficial for allergy sufferers. It is also 100% biodegradable – a great bonus if you’re eco-friendly.
Wool and Fleece
These fabrics will keep you warm, but can promote overheating. Wool can also irritate the skin, causing itchiness that wakes you up during the night. And fleece doesn’t allow air to circulate, so you may sweat a lot.
When you shop for sleepwear, think about more than just the fabric. Fit matters, since looser pajamas move more easily over your body when you sleep, instead of tightening or binding. Elements like buttons, snaps, and tags can become problematic if they itch or irritate you during the night. Also, be sure that any elastic isn’t too tight to cut off circulation or too loose to slip off as you snooze.
Don’t Forget Your Feet
One often-forgotten component in choosing what to wear to bed is what to do about your lower extremities. Cold feet are actually associated with sleeplessness. But warming your feet too much can cause your entire body to become too hot. If you tend to get chilly while you snooze, slip on a pair of lightweight socks at bedtime.