5 Reasons to Dress Up for Bed

What do you wear to sleep? A big t-shirt? Old boxers? Nothing at all? 

I remember the frilly nightgowns of my youth. For 12 years, everything I slept in had pastel bows or a girly cartoon character on it, but soon I became a teenager and “asserted my independence” and my mother didn’t (couldn’t) dress me anymore. So it was good bye ruffled pajamas and hello XXL teeshirts. It was more conformable, or so I thought.

The topic of what one wears during sleep seems inconsequential. I mean what does it matter what you look like when you are unconscious, right? But what if it does?

Why should you care? Well…

1-It can ease Imposter Syndrome. 

Imposter Syndrome is defined as a collection of inadequacies despite evident success. Let’s say you’re getting ready for your first day at a new job. You worked hard, networked your butt off, and made the right connections. No picture this: after returning home, you peel off your heels and throw on a 5 year old t-shirt and shorts. Now, eight hours have passed and you’re up again, staring at yourself in your bathroom mirror, wondering when someone will ‘figure you out.” 

Dressing up for bed can ease the transition from sleeping to waking life. You are the same person in both instances. You’re not wearing a costume. This is who you truly are.

2-It Shows Respect for Yourself

Have you ever the phrase “Dressing well is a form of respect.” It is usually said in relation to interacting with the general public, but why can’t this be in relation to the our selves in private. I believe taking that extra time to put on something beautiful at night tells yourself you are worth it. We dress up for the office, parties, our paramours, but not ourselves. That’s preposterous. We are with ourselves 24/7. Over time, that “extra effort” you take to dress yourself for sleep will bleed into other areas of your life too!

3- You can tap into your Feminine Side

Over the last few years, there has been an explosion in femininity content. Women across the world have ferociously consumed content on harnessing this magical feminine essence. I am definitely one of these women. One thing I’ve learned is that the feminine loves beauty. She appreciates aesthetics and care and detail. Wearing something lovely to bed, something that you put a lot of care into, taps into the “feeling”side of yourself. If you are looking to tap into your feminine side, dressing up for bed can definitely help.

4- You can have Better Sleep 

Did you know dressing up for bed can give you better sleep? In general, creating a routine or ritual around your bedtime can facilitate better sleep hygiene. Having designated clothing for sleep and sleep only can trigger your brain to know that it’s time to wind down. You may even fall asleep faster.

5-Sleep is Important and we should Treat it as Such!

Sleep is right up there with water and oxygen in regards to successfully functioning as a human. There are numerous health conditions related to just lack of sleep alone. 

I say this to say, we take it upon ourselves to look as presentable as possible for any occasion we deem important. We dress up for concerts and the gym, but not the very necessary activity we need to live! 

My point here is simple: treat sleep as important as it is.

I am not saying to discard your worn in sleep shirts. These items often hold sentimental value to us (or they are just plain comfortable!) But I do think it is important to examine the why behind our reasoning. Is it for convenience or laziness? Life is mostly made up of small, monotonous moments. There are things we do day in and day out. Why not take the time to make life beautiful?

“Always wear pretty pajamas to bed. You never know who you will meet in your dreams.”  -Unknown 

Thank you for reading!