When it comes to turning up the heat in between the sheets, couples remove their clothes as if their lives depend on it. However, after a few of minutes of rustling and tousling in bed, most couples are guilty of doing something that could be hurting their relationship: putting their clothes back on. According to a survey conducted by Cotton USA, an internationally licensed trademark for quality U.S. cotton-rich products, the naked truth to a happier relationship is sleeping naked, which encourages physical and emotional intimacy between couples.

“There are many factors which can affect the success of a relationship,” said Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Cotton USA spokesperson, the Daily Mail reported. “But one factor which is often overlooked is the bedroom environment. Bedding can feel extremely soft against the skin, encouraging openness and intimacy between couples and ultimately increasing happiness,” she continued.

In the Cotton USA poll of over 1,000 Brits, the findings revealed those who sleep in the nude have happier marriages and relationships. Fifty-seven percent of those who sleep in the nude reported being happy in their relationships compared with 48 percent of those in pajamas, 43 percent of nightie wearers, and 38 percent of those who sleep in onesies. The results of this survey come as good news for many, since four in 10 people now sleep naked, and almost half, or 45 percent of those over age 55 do so as well.

Couples who slept together nude were most likely encouraged to be intimate and open because of the soft bedding and skin-to-skin contact. The physical proximity suggests, “I want to be close to you, and a green light for sex,” said Amber Madison, Manhattan-based therapist and relationship expert to the NY Daily News. The intimacy, emotional, and physical availability, Madison believes, is what keeps a relationship strong amid daily stressors and challenges.

The poll also observed the general sleeping habits and relationships. Dirty clothes on the floor, clutter, and beds left unmade were considered big turn-offs for couples. Moreover, eating in bed, having pets n the bedroom, stealing the covers, and wearing socks to sleep were also considered pet peeves. Not by coincidence, the Cotton USA survey also revealed the material cotton was said to imply cleanliness according to the survey respondents, while satin implied wealth, but also sleaziness, and polyester implied cheapness.

Although research shows there are many factors that directly impact the success of a relationship, there is limited data on the influence of bedroom environment. A recent study carried out at the Edinburgh International Science Festival discovered what people’s preferred sleeping position reveals about their relationships and personality. The closeness of a couple and how happy they are in a relationship is found to be determined in the distance they keep between themselves as they sleep.

Most couples were found to sleep back-to-back, while only 12 percent of couples spend the night less than an inch apart. Touching during sleep was also viewed as a significant indicator of relationship quality among couples. Ninety-four percent of couples who spend the night in contact with one another were happy with their relationship, compared to just 68 percent who didn’t touch when sleeping. Sleeping face-to-face while touching was seen as the most likely combination for those in the happiest relationships.

Perhaps the bedroom is more than just a place to get hot and heavy in between the sheets; it’s a sanctuary where relationships grow.