“Depending upon my activities, I sleep between five and ten hours every night. I sleep in an extra-wide single bed, and I use only one heavy down comforter over me, summer or winter. I have never been able to wear pajamas or creepy nightgowns; they disturb my sleep.”

- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“Depending upon my activities, I sleep between five and ten hours every night. I sleep in an extra-wide single bed, and I use only one heavy down comforter over me, summer or winter. I have never been able to wear pajamas or creepy nightgowns; they disturb my sleep.”
Explanation
This quote offers a rare and intimate glimpse into Marilyn Monroe’s private routines and personal comfort, far removed from the glamorized public image often projected onto her. The details—her sleep patterns, her choice of bed, and her dislike for sleepwear—paint a picture of someone who sought physical ease and simplicity in her most vulnerable moments. Her rejection of “pajamas or creepy nightgowns” suggests a desire to strip away discomfort and artificiality, even in solitude.
Monroe was often portrayed as a fantasy figure, carefully styled and presented to the world. But in this candid description, she asserts her preference for what feels natural to her—not what looks appropriate or seductive. The quote reflects her need for personal authenticity and control, especially during sleep, a time when she could finally disconnect from performance and expectation. It reveals a woman craving peace, warmth, and bodily freedom, in contrast to the constraints imposed on her during waking hours.
In a broader sense, her words resonate with anyone seeking to create a private sanctuary amid a public life. It’s a quiet reminder that comfort and authenticity often begin in the small, private choices we make for ourselves, and that even icons like Monroe needed a space to rest not just their bodies, but their identities.
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