Couples who sleep naked are happier, but not for the reason you think.

by Mamamia Team July 3, 2014

I could never sleep naked on a regular basis but when I do, it sends a strong message.

I don’t know that they needed to commission a survey to uncover this fact: Couples who sleep naked are happier.

But it has nothing to do with sex.

Sure, sex is easier when no nightwear is involved but I think that nightwear adds to the excitement of ‘night time cuddles’. Undressing each other or getting undressed for your partner can be exciting, that is, when you’re still in those first few heady years when you bother to go to the effort of doing a striptease.

Apparently 75 per cent of people wear nightclothes. But the study found that the reason sleeping naked helps is because it increases feelings of intimacy. You can have a skin-on-skin cuddle whenever you like, even if it’s just a quick one and you then roll away to resume reading an iBook on your phone.

Brian Viner, author of The Dad and The Ugly: The Trials of Fatherhood, told the Daily Mail that he and his wife are big fans of sleeping in the buff. “

I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to be naked, or nearly naked, in bed,” he explained. “It encourages intimacy, so I can see why being nude in bed makes for happier couples.”

http://ivillageau.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/files/how-to-stay-in-love.jpg A recent survey found that couples who go to bed nude are more happily married.

A good friend has confessed to sleeping naked every night and my first question was, "What do you do when the kids call out?"

"I put on a robe," she said.

It might just be me but the thought of putting a robe on, then off, then on, then off, 30 times each night is not at all appealing.

I think the true power of sleeping naked is saving it for special occasions. I go to bed naked when my husband is angry with me about something. I throw off my night clothes, text him to let him know that I am completely naked, and all is forgiven.

Manipulative much?

Long-term relationships need intimacy and excitement. You need to make an effort.

If sleeping naked works for you, then go for it. Just have your robe handy. And put the heater on.

What do you where at night? Are you are fan of sleeping naked? How do you keep the intimacy alive in your relationship?

Looking for new ways to liven up your sex life? CLICK THROUGH this gallery for 66 tips that will help you along the way...

Sex basics: a sexy soak

Sex in the bath is fun but can be tricky. Try this: fill the bath halfway with water, then pour plenty of bath gel over each other's bodies.

Sex basics: good vibrations

Take turns with the TongueJoy Oral Vibrator (from blissbox.com).

Sex basics: play Twister

Sex basics: play Twister...

...in the nude. And wet. It removes inhibitions and gets you in positions you wouldn't usually attempt.

Sex basics: a new angle

By placing a pillow under your bottom you're creating an orgasm optimum 26-degree pelvic tilt, which means maximum contact between his body and your clitoris.

Sex basics: keep it clean(ish)

Have your man sit on top of the washing machine while you have sex (you perched on top, with your legs wrapped around his waist).

Bedroom basics: Don't go solo with your vibrator

Only 25% of women climax through penetrative sex alone, so get your man to pleasure you with a sex toy while he's at it.

Sex basics: Talk dirty

Ask him to talk to you when he's going down on you. The vibrations from his voice and the unpredictability of it will make you come even quicker.

Sex basics: good taste

Feed your man cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint and lemon if you're planning to give him oral sex. It'll make his semen taste nicer.

Sex basics: no deep diving

Make him stay at the shallow end to make sex better for you.

Sex basics: bad taste

And don't let him near garlic, onions, curry or asparagus - all these foods will make his semen taste unpleasant.

Sex basics: use Chinese herbs and tonics

Use Chinese herbs and tonics

For centuries the Chinese have used herbs and tonics to enhance their sex lives.

Sex basics: pearls for him

Convince him to buy you more jewellery by masturbating him with a string of pearls.

Sex basics: he nose it

Ask him to use his nose when he's going down on you. Most men genuinely love the smell of a woman and the nose makes an excellent clitoral stimulator.

Sex basics: take to the road

If you enjoy outdoor sex, try this: take a drive to the country, open the car's sunroof and perch yourself on the edge of it, with your legs dangling down i

Sex basics: get experimental

Spice up your sex life by doing it in the cupboard under the stairs - seriously.

Sex basics: get dizzy

Have sex on a swivel chair to make sex really exciting.

Sex positions: limber up!

Make your man feel bigger inside you by placing your legs over his shoulders when having sex in the missionary position.

Sex basics: go red

Colours create a sexy mood. Red, dark blue and violet are the three most erotic colours. And the least erotic?

Sex positions: give him a squeeze

Lie face-down on the bed and invite your man to lie on top of you, keeping his legs outside yours.