Thermal underwear is intended for active sports and recreation. It is light and thin and is made using synthetic fibers. The structure of the fabric is a large number of small cells that create a layer of air between the body and the external environment. The part of the cells adjacent to the skin is designed to instantly absorb moisture, and the outer layer redistributes this liquid so that it quickly evaporates. This is the principle of any thermal underwear, regardless of the material from which it is made: polyester, microfiber, lycra, with or without the addition of natural fibers.
REFERENCE. The use of wool or cotton slightly changes the characteristics of special underwear, but changes the tactile sensations. It is more pleasant to the skin.
The name “thermal underwear” can be misleading to buyers. In fact, such underwear does not heat, but retains natural body heat due to the proper removal and distribution of moisture.
Should I sleep in thermal underwear?
During sleep, a person moves little and, accordingly, produces little heat and sweats little. In this case, thermal underwear will not perform its main functions. It turns into a tight-fitting set of fairly thin fabric. How comfortable it will be to sleep in such clothes depends on the situation, personal preferences and the quality of the linen. Most buyers note that they feel much better in warm, but fairly loose pajamas. At the same time, some users do not mind thermal underwear made from natural fibers: it is pleasant, light, soft, and feels like a second skin.
Pros and cons for adults
Thermal underwear is not intended for sleeping. But in a number of cases its use for this purpose may be justified:
- The room temperature is low.
- Thermal underwear is made of natural fibers.
- The subjective sensations from using it for sleep are very pleasant.
- A person has problems with blood circulation, his limbs are often cold.
There are the following arguments against using thermal underwear for sleeping:
- It doesn't heat unless you move. That is, even in a cold room it is better to use flannel pajamas - there will be more warmth.
- It is tight and narrow, impeding blood circulation. But this only applies to inexpensive and synthetic thermal underwear.
Why is it better to sleep without clothes at all:
- Even clothing made from natural fabrics compresses the skin and disrupts blood circulation. The absence of pajamas allows you to completely relax and relieve tension from the abdominal or genital area.
- It's good for the skin. Air access and natural body temperature promote epithelial renewal.
- There is a risk of sweating in clothes, and sweat is an attractive environment for bacteria; they begin to multiply more intensively.
- Tight underwear, especially in the genital area, increases the risk of infertility in men or decreased sexual activity. To a lesser extent, the same applies to women.
- Psychological effect. The feeling of a completely free body relieves the stress that has accumulated during the day.
Is it possible for a child to sleep
The issue of dressing a child is resolved using common sense. It is necessary to evaluate the age of the child, the type of thermal underwear, its purpose and the climate in the sleeping area.
All recommendations for choosing clothes for sleeping come down to the following rules:
- Pajamas should be looser than regular clothes.
- Unnatural materials should be avoided.
- No pressing seams or chafing parts.
If the room is not cold, then the use of thermal underwear is not justified. It's better to let the skin breathe.
If we are talking about sleeping on the street while walking, or relaxing in cold rooms (for example, while traveling), then properly selected thermal underwear will only be beneficial. In this case, you should be guided by the following points:
- Thinner linen is synthetic, while those made from natural fibers are slightly thicker.
- The most popular for children: combined thermal underwear, made of synthetics and cotton/wool.
- The harshness of the wool will depend on individual sensitivity, but if you are concerned that there will be unpleasant sensations, you should choose two-layer underwear, for example, Melton, which has an inner cotton layer. Items made from cashmere or natural silk are also suitable.
- They buy thermal underwear exactly in size, without reserve, and put it on a naked body.
- Small children under 2 years old do not sweat much; it is better to avoid sleeping in thermal underwear altogether. If the model is very comfortable, then you should choose at least half of it made of natural fibers.
- Polyester is suitable for temperatures +5...-5 °C, mixed: 0...-20 °C, merino: – 10...-40 °C.
- The best brands for children: Norveg (large selection of linen made from organic cotton, merino wool), Janus, Guahoo, Huppa Frodo, Didriksons, Lassie. This is a very high-quality underwear that does not cause irritation to delicate baby skin, is cozy and soft.
Conclusions. You should focus on your own feelings. If thermal underwear brings only comfort and allows you to rest well, then it is suitable for sleeping. In other cases, it is better to give preference to the classics: loose pajamas made of very high-quality natural materials, or no clothes at all.