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Expert recommends sleeping naked to ease flu symptoms

Dr Hilary Jones compares coronavirus vaccine to flu vaccine

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When winter arrives it brings with it a whole host of seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu. There are many well-known ways to prevent these conditions such as upping your intake of certain vitamins and taking care to wash your hands regularly. However, there could be a more unusual way to prevent or ease flu symptoms.

Sleep expert Doctor Katherine Hall, in partnership with Happy Beds, revealed that sleeping naked could have multiple health benefits.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, she said: “There are definitely benefits that come with sleeping naked, perhaps the biggest being that it improves blood circulation.

“When you sleep your blood circulation increases regardless, but sleeping naked stops any clothing like socks or tight pyjamas from restricting blood flow.

“Remember that good blood circulation is crucial for your heart and muscles.”

How can it help flu?

She said: “It’s that time of year when the flu and nasty illnesses are everywhere.

“But, it’s proven that sleeping naked can regulate your body temperature which is always higher when you’re ill.”

Common flu symptoms include:

  • A sudden high temperature
  • An aching body
  • Feeling tired or exhausted
  • A dry cough
  • A sore throat
  • A headache
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or tummy pain
  • Feeling sick and being sick.

The best method of protection against flu is the flu vaccine.

Certain people are eligible for this through the NHS.

Dr Hall shared other benefits of sleeping in the nude.

Fertility

“Sleeping naked can help both men’s and women’s health,” she said.

“For men, it can increase fertility and for women, it will lower your chance of any infections caused by uncomfortable underwear.”

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.

She said: “Skin-on-skin contact with your partner can boost your oxytocin levels, which can help combat feelings of SAD in the winter.”

Be careful of bacteria in bedding

However, Dr Hall warned: “There are a few things to consider before you decide to sleep au natural.’’

When you sleep naked, you can leave more bacteria on your bedsheets.

This can be fixed by washing your bedding more regularly.

However, more bacteria means you could be more susceptible to picking up germs and bugs whilst you sleep naked.

She added: “Sleeping naked is great, but it’s always better in your own bed.

“When sleeping somewhere else such as a hotel, stick to pyjamas.”

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