Sleeping as a couple: the benefits of resting accompanied

Why do couples sleep more restlessly physically, but calmer mentally when they spend the night together? And for a couple to go to bed at the same time, many “tasks” have to be put in place. However, sleep is more restful.

At bedtime, many couples perform their own ritual. She goes to the bathroom first, he follows her. Quickly, she airs out the bedroom and he turns off the light. The procedures differ from one couple to another. However, one aspect is important for most couples: sleeping together.

But why do couples want to sleep together, if that often means being restless? Imagine a partner who snores. Or someone who never gives up “their portion” of the sheet, sometimes leaving us cold.

Yes, we are more physically restless, but mentally calmer: we know that couples who sleep together want to stay together and that the sleep generated by sleeping in company is more restorative. Science says so and obviously it does not include couples who are not in love or sleep out of obligation. That would be another topic for another article.

More restless physically and calmer mentally

Wendy Troxel is a clinical psychologist and sleep behavior specialist. She claims that If couples want to sleep together, it is because they also want to be united on other vital levels.. Troxel’s work is frequently cited in many media outlets interested in this topic.

It is also named in recent successful books such as The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington and Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker. Troxel’s mission is to teach couples to prioritize sleep and help them find solutions to maximize the quality of both of their sleep, whether they sleep together or apart for some understandable reason (insomnia, illness, work schedule, etc.). .

in his book Sharing the covers shows couples how vital it is “Sleep as if your relationship depended on it.”, because in many cases, that’s how it is. Using popular science and a deep understanding of a couple’s relationship with sleep, Dr. Troxel guides couples through a completely different sleep book.

Troxel tells readers how to manage sleep cycles and sleep disorders, decide whether to file for a “sleep divorce,” and much more. A good night’s sleep is essential for any relationship.

Sleeping as a couple: all the benefits it brings

There are many reasons why you should sleep next to someone and these are some of them.

1. It makes you feel safe

Do you know that children like to sleep next to their parents because they are afraid of the dark? That’s because they feel safe with them.

Sleeping next to someone makes you feel safe, therefore reducing the chances of having nightmares. Hugging someone during sleep improves sleep quality. If you sleep next to your partner, you will feel calm and at peace, much more than when you sleep alone.

2. Generates melatonin

If you share a bed with someone you like every night, it will make you happier, as you will release dopamine (responsible for feeling pleasure) and serotonin (known as the “happy chemical”) in your body, which will improve your mood. .

Touching someone causes us to release dopamine and serotonin; Once serotonin is produced, the body can convert it to melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that influences the sleep/wake cycle, causing you to fall asleep faster and wake up happier.

3. It frees you from stress

It is very difficult to get quality sleep if you are stressed every day, especially if you sleep alone. If you want to relieve stress, consider sleeping next to someone. When you sleep next to a person you care about, your body releases oxytocin, which calms you and helps you control stress..

4. It makes your relationship healthy

As reported by the University of Hertfordshire survey, 86% of couples who slept together were happy in their relationships. Meanwhile, only 66% of couples who slept more than 30 inches apart reported being happy in their relationships. An obvious difference, right?

One of the most popular sleeping positions among the happiest couples was the “spoon” position, in which both are fully embraced. Therefore, it seems that those who snuggle and sleep together are happier in their relationships.

5. Improves sleep

Sleeping next to someone you love will improve the quality of your sleep. And it’s much better than watching TV and sleeping alone. First, because the light from your TV is reducing melatonin levels. Secondly, when you sleep alone, your brain starts to overthink, even if your eyes are closed.

According to research by Andrea Petersen in The Wall Street Journal, you actually fall asleep faster when you sleep with another person. If he hugs you and talks to you before going to sleep, you’ll feel more relaxed and happier, so you’ll probably sleep better.

6. Control blood pressure

For people with cardiovascular problems, sleeping next to someone can be excellent for improving their health.

According to research conducted by the University of North Carolina, which recruited 59 women ages 20 to 49 who had been living with their spouse or monogamous partner for at least six months, those who said they received more hugs from their partners had higher levels of oxytocin.

The researchers checked their oxytocin levels and blood pressure regularly. Those with the highest level of oxytocin had the lowest blood pressure. So, if you’ve had a stressful day, sleep next to your partner.

7. Improve your immune system

When we get a cold, we usually spend time in bed sleeping and resting. Sleep helps us recover and fight the cold. But Sharing a blanket with your partner can improve your immune system.

According to scientists at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, sexually active couples are more resistant to common colds and flu because they produce more antibodies.

However, even hugs will cause you to release oxytocin, while stimulating your regulatory T cells, important for the health of your immune system. So, fall asleep hugging your partner.

8. Create the right conditions for rest

As you already know, your body temperature begins to drop while you sleep. Although you may not have noticed this during the summer, this can be a big problem during the winter months. There’s nothing worse than jumping into a cold bed! In this case, the lucky ones are those who sleep with their partner.

Sleeping next to someone in bed can create the perfect sleeping conditions. The warmth of the person sleeping next to you will warm you. You won’t be cold or too hot. Sleeping conditions will be perfect.

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