If you're a man who like to snooze in boxers or briefs, it looks like it’s time to make a major change to what you’re wearing.
You’ve probably already heard numerous health warnings that have been going around about the position you sleep in, how long you sleep for, what you do before and after sleeping.
But did you know that sleeping in your pants can actually affect your bits?
Apparently, snoozing while wearing clothing in general is something to stay away from, and ditching the garments could be the best thing you could do.
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Dr Brian Steixner, from the Institute for Men’s Health at the Jersey Urology Group, suggested that men sleeping in boxers could damage their chances at conceiving.
He explained that sleeping in underwear in any capacity can apparently minimise the quality of the sperm because it gets too warm down there at night.
He told The Sun: "Your nether regions need to be just the right temperature in order to optimise sperm production."
It may also help avoid the risk of infection as Dr Steixner continued: "More bacteria makes for a higher likelihood that any chafed or irritated skin down there becomes infected."
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So, what’s the answer to minimising the risk to your downstairs area?
Sleeping in the nude, of course.
Some people might have reservations about this, particularly the thought of having to scare away an intruder in the buff (it might actually work in your favour, though), but there are key benefits to it.
As well as feeling incredibly freeing, sleeping in the nude is apparently more hygienic.
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That’s because it allows the skin to breathe and doesn’t promote bacteria growth.
It can also help you to regulate your temperature, so you won’t get overheated at night and feel like ripping your clothes off anyway.
According to the Sleep Foundation, sleeping in the buff can ‘improve health, partner intimacy, anxiety, and self-esteem’ as well as helping ‘your core temperature cool faster and lead to better sleep’.
Dr David Rosen, a sleep medicine specialist, said: “Keeping cool at night is a simple way to improve sleep quality. For those who prefer to sleep with a thick and warm comforter, sleeping naked is a good way to counterbalance that extra warmth.”
I mean, if it’s going to help you sleep better and feel better then why not?
Britt Jones