New research shows that the couple who sleeps together, stays together!
Hey guys, Tara here for Dnews - and I don’t think I’m alone when I publicly declare
that cuddling is awesome.
It’s warm, it’s soft - and according to new research, it’s good for your health
AND your relationship.
A 2009 study from the University of Pittsburgh found that women in long-term, stable relationships
tend to fall asleep more quickly and wake up fewer times during the night, than women
who are single or in unstable relationships.
Other studies, in recent years, paint a different image - saying that both men and women move
around more when sleeping together.
But according to Wendy Troxel, a psychology professor at the University of Pittsburgh,
the psychological benefits of co-sleeping outweigh the physical downsides.
The science behind it is still unclear, she says, but there are a few theories as to why
this is.
One hypothesis is that for couples in healthy relationships, sleeping together promotes
feelings of safety and security, which may lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
It could also reduce cytokines, which promote inflammation, as well as boost oxytocin - a
hormone that’s been shown to ease anxiety.
Whatever the reason, it seems one thing is clear: a happy relationship, leads to better
sleeping.
And vice versa.
A 2010 study of 29 couples, found that women who had fewer negative interactions with their
partners during the day, also slept better at night.
And for men, it was the same - but with one additional caveat: better sleep also led to
fewer negative interactions the next day.
According to Christina McCrea, an associate professor at the University of Florida, clearing
up any relationship issues can often ease insomnia.
But what about couples who have different sleeping schedules?
Do they still reap the benefits of sleeping together?
Well, it seems the answer is “not quite.”
According to a 1991 study, couples who went to bed and woke up at different times, tended
to argue more, spent less time together in shared activities, and had slightly less sex.
Unfortunately, your body’s internal clock isn’t easy to change.
So most sleep specialists suggest that couples who have mismatched sleeping times, arrange
a “special bedroom time” where they both go to bed, spend some time together, and then
the night owl gets to leave and come back later when they’re ready to sleep.
Another piece of advice, is that couples use separate blankets if one of the partners is
a particularly restless sleeper.
Whatever you decide to do, you can now rest easy knowing that sleepovers are doing your
body good.
What are your thoughts on this - and do you tend to sleep better or worse, with a partner?
Feel free to share your experiences with us, in the comments down below.
And as always, thanks for watching Dnews!