Should You Sleep in Your Outside Clothes? Here’s What to Know

We've all been there you get home after a long day, too exhausted to change, and end up falling asleep in your "outside" clothes. While it may seem harmless, sleeping in your street clothes could introduce germs and allergens into your bed, potentially affecting your health and quality of sleep.

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep in Your Outside Clothes

Your street clothes aren't as clean as they might look. As you move through your day, your clothes collect bacteria, allergens, and even germs that can make you sick. According to Nikhil Bhayani, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Texas Health Resources, germs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus can cling to fabrics for extended periods around 90 days on cotton and over 200 days on polyester, according to a May 2020 study in GMS Hygiene and Infection Control.

The Risks of Sleeping in Street Clothes

1. Exposure to Germs and Infections
   Wearing your outside clothes to bed can transfer germs directly to your skin and onto your bedding. The longer you're in contact with these microbes, the greater the chance of infection especially for those with weakened immune systems.

• Did You Know? Even shaking out dirty laundry can release germ-laden aerosols into the air, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. Allergy Triggers
   If you suffer from seasonal allergies, pollen and other allergens collected on your clothes can disrupt your sleep. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology advises changing clothes and showering when pollen counts are high to minimize exposure.

3. Turning Your Bed into a Germ Haven
   Bacteria and allergens can multiply in your bedding, turning your mattress and sheets into a breeding ground for germs. This could lead to recurring issues with infections or allergies, impacting your overall well-being.

What You Should Do Instead

• Change Before Bed: Swap your street clothes for clean pajamas or sleepwear to reduce your exposure to germs and allergens.

• Wash Your Clothes Regularly: This helps eliminate lingering bacteria and reduces the risk of contamination.

• If You Must Sleep in Your Clothes: Make it a priority to wash your bedding the next morning to maintain a clean sleep environment.

The Bottom Line

While it might seem convenient, sleeping in your outside clothes can introduce germs and allergens into your bed, increasing your risk of illness and allergy flare-ups. Taking a couple of minutes to change into fresh sleepwear can go a long way in protecting your health and ensuring a good night's sleep.

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