[Rachel]

Rachel asked the Naked Scientists:

Do you really sleep warmer in a sleeping bag if you are naked?  Or have I been fooled?

What do you think?

[graham.d]

I can think of no reason why this may be so. Provided you don't get too hot and perspire too much, the more layers the better if it is very cold.

It's a good "line" to try though ;-)

[RD]

If your clothing is damp (sweat/rain) then you will be warmer in dry clothing or a dry sleeping bag.

Quick Facts: Hypothermia

Is a risk even in above average winter temps: hypothermia can happen at 10 C and under!
Occurs when the body cannot produce more heat than it’s losing, resulting in an internal body temperature that drops below 35 C (95 F);
Is caused by any one (or all) of these key risk factors:
Wind – chills your body as the air moves over it
Wet – water rapidly absorbs body heat; even damp clothes are a risk factor
Cold – exposure to cold chills the body

http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/healthinfo/features/2008/2008-01-30_hypothermia.htm

[LeeE]

Rachel asked the Naked Scientists:

Do you really sleep warmer in a sleeping bag if you are naked?  Or have I been fooled?

What do you think?

On your own - no, with someone else - quite possibly.  Was there any chance that the person who told you this might have quite liked the idea of being naked in a sleeping bag with you?

Just one serious point though - if the clothing that you're wearing is tight fitting it might actually reduce some of the blood flow to your feet or hands, making them colder.  Taking those clothes off could increase the blood flow and leave you feeling warmer.

[neilep]

As a firm believer in empirical study I am willing to offer my services to conduct this experiment in an empirical way with all members.

[lyner]

Not with my member, thanks.

[neilep]

Not with my member, thanks.