Nighttime Embracing Shown to Lower Stress Levels in Couples
A restful night’s sleep is crucial for our health, and recent studies show that sharing a bed with a significant other can provide added emotional advantages. Psychologist Josh Novak and cognitive development specialist Kaleigh Miller from Auburn University in Alabama discovered that sleeping next to a partner—especially in close positions—can greatly reduce stress levels. Their research points out that lower stress is linked to enhanced feelings of attachment and emotional stability in the relationship.
The research included 143 heterosexual couples who shared a bed, with men averaging 43 years and women 40. The couples had been together for about 13 years on average, with one remarkable couple nearly reaching their 30th anniversary. To ensure accurate results, the researchers considered other significant factors, such as whether children or pets often shared the bed. This allowed them to concentrate solely on the influence of sleeping positions at the beginning of the night.
Though each partner had their own favored sleeping position, they frequently prioritised closeness to their partner as they fell asleep. The researchers noted, “This finding may indicate that individual sleep position may not influence how a couple decides to snuggle at night and is instead motivated by a desire or need to be near one’s partner.”
The study revealed that when partners slept in closer, more affectionate positions—such as spooning, intertwining limbs, or facing one another—they experienced reduced stress and a heightened emotional bond. Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge the study’s limitations. It only examined one specific moment, right at the start of the night, and depended on the couples’ reports of their experiences rather than direct observation. We cannot definitively claim that cuddling leads to increased feelings of security. In fact, the researchers believe it likely operates in both directions, where feeling secure might also encourage couples to cuddle more.
Nevertheless, opting to remain physically close at night does not automatically ensure improved sleep quality. The researchers propose, “Perhaps intimate positions can disrupt sleep because maintaining prolonged cuddling positions may be uncomfortable, raise body temperature, one or both partners may have sleep issues or disorders, or a variety of other factors.”
The researchers concluded something many of us might already know from personal experience—a quick snuggle as you’re about to fall asleep might be sufficient to gain those emotional benefits, even if you both turn onto your usual sleeping positions afterward.
If you lack a partner to sleep next to, there are numerous other methods to alleviate stress and enhance your well-being. For instance, petting a dog can provide similar benefits to socializing with people, and a simple walk in nature can greatly improve our stress levels.
Discover more about the study conducted by Novak and Miller on Sage Journals.