My friend was obviously surprised when I told her I wash my pajamas each week. She asked, “Once per week is all you ever wash them?” It amazed me that she always washes her underwear once she’s worn it.

It quickly led to a more in-depth talk than I thought possible — a conversation about hygiene, the effects on nature, different ways people are expected to behave and many little habits we rarely question. There’s more to this subject than you might initially think.

Though personal hygiene is something most people think about the same way, what we do and how we feel about it is very unique. There are people who sweat a lot in their sleep, while others sleep so well they are just as fresh when they wake up.

If you go to bed without showering, many believe it’s unpleasant to wear the same PJs each night. For people who sit in them more, it’s often fine to wash them after several nights instead of after every sweaty outing. The type of skin you have, how the fibers are made and their breathability and your reaction to sweat or perfume can all change your choice.

It’s obvious that our environments and habits matter as well. If it’s often hot and humid where you are, you may need to wash your pajamas more often.

If you have allergy-related skin or deal with acne, sleeping on clean clothes can help you avoid irritation. There’s also showering to consider—a quick shower right before bed will help you wear your pajamas and night attire for longer.

Even so, this area requires careful balancing. If you wash your pajamas too much, the fabric may start to wear and become worn and faded quite quickly. However, if you don’t clean them regularly, they can accumulate oils, skin cells, sweat and bacteria.

The unpleasant smells and skin irritation might also ruin your sleep because you feel less than refreshed. It means you have to find the balance between wanting things nice and tidy and wanting to relax — and this balance can shift from week to week.

The environment itself plays a big role in the issue. Washing our clothes means we use water, electricity and some of the detergent goes down the drain. If we wash our pajamas often, even just lightly, we put a greater strain on resources.

Being thoughtful about laundry is smart: choose cold water washing, use gentle detergents and try to pack in lots of clothes each time you do laundry. Over the years, these steps help lower the environmental impact of your home without you having to sacrifice cleanliness.

Experts suggest you wash your pajamas about every third or fourth time you wear them. Even among specialists, this guide isn’t a rule — it’s generally a convenient way to begin.

Anyone with sensitive skin, allergies or who often experiences night sweats might find they need to wash their bedding more often. The fabric of your pajamas matters too: flannel may be less finicky, but silk and satin may fade more easily and should be washed and cared for more often.

Tradition and culture add to this topic. Personal dignity and respect may make daily showers necessary in some cultures, but people in other countries see hardly any problem with recycling their sleep clothes.

Just because the two approaches differ doesn’t mean one is better; it means people have different traditions and beliefs. Listening to different ideas can make us see our customs differently and, occassionally, question what we see as natural.

It really all boils down to how you feel. If you don’t notice any problems, you can probably skip the laundry this time. Then, even if laundering uses more laundry, it could feel comfortable enough to make it worth your while.

Wear your different pajamas in rotation so you’re not constantly washing the same pair each week and whenever possible, allow them to air outside. Just a little bit of sunlight and air can help your fruits stay fresh longer.

There’s no single best way to handle washing pajamas and this is why. Simply put, what makes you your best is what works best.

What’s important is to find a method that matches your skin, values and way of living—be it daily or just once a week. Like with other self-care routines, the goal is not to stick to other people’s rules; it’s to listen to yourself and decide what’s best for you.