How Your Pajamas Could Be Disrupting Your Sleep Quality

What you wear to bed might be sabotaging your sleep without you even realizing it. The right sleep attire can significantly impact your ability to drift off comfortably.

You might have chosen your pajamas because they feature your favorite cartoon character or perhaps for their sexy appeal. It could even be an old t-shirt that you prefer to wear to bed instead of tossing it out. However, your nighttime attire likely hasn’t been selected with its potential effect on your sleep in mind. Unfortunately, a 2026 survey by ResMed, involving 2,000 French participants, indicates that our nighttime clothing choices are much more than just a matter of aesthetics. Beyond personal preferences, what we wear to bed can influence two critical mechanisms: body temperature regulation and the process of falling asleep.

The Pajamas to Avoid for Better Sleep

Which type of sleepwear is responsible for restless nights? The main culprit is tight-fitting pajamas made from synthetic materials. When we prepare for sleep, our body temperature needs to drop slightly to initiate the process. However, synthetic fabrics (like polyester, acrylic, and nylon) create an insulating barrier that traps heat, hindering this essential thermal regulation. Consequently, the body struggles to cool down, making it harder to fall asleep and increasing the likelihood of waking up during the night.

Additionally, tight clothing restricts airflow around the body and promotes nighttime sweating, leading to discomfort that disrupts sleep without fully waking us up. Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at ResMed, suggests opting for natural materials such as cotton or silk, which allow the skin to breathe and actively aid in temperature regulation. Sleeping nude, provided you have quality bedding, can also be beneficial. In essence: the more loose, natural, and lightweight your sleepwear, the better your body can function.

Gender Differences in Sleepwear Choices

While 42% of the French respondents stick to traditional pajamas, the ResMed 2026 survey reveals stark differences in nighttime clothing habits between genders. Women tend to prioritize comfort, with 47% opting for full pajamas, 24% choosing nightgowns, and 25% favoring oversized t-shirts. Sleeping in the nude remains a minority practice, with only 7% of female respondents admitting to it.

Men, on the other hand, generally make choices that are more conducive to thermal regulation. About 27% sleep only in underwear, and they are twice as likely as women to sleep naked (16% compared to 7%). Only 36% wear full pajamas. Fewer layers, less synthetic fabric, and fewer barriers to temperature regulation contribute to a better sleep experience.