In general, most people tend to share a bed with their partners – about 80%! Of those that share a bed, about 60% fall asleep cuddling.
One study of 90 couples found that people mostly reported falling asleep while physically touching their partner, most commonly in a spooning position.
In the few reported studies on cuddling in committed romantic relationships, the average amount of time spent cuddling is about 30-40 minutes and occurs 3 to 5 times a week. Couples will typically cuddle in bed pre- and post-sex, as well as in the mornings.
It is difficult to determine the exact percentage of couples who cuddle at night or fall asleep cuddling, as this can vary greatly from couple to couple. Some people may enjoy cuddling before falling asleep, while others may prefer to sleep separately.
Oxytocin, a sleep-promoting hormone, often called the “love hormone,” can be released when sleeping with your loved one. Sex, cuddling, and even holding hands can boost your oxytocin levels. Penn Medicine credits high levels of oxytocin to falling asleep quicker and staying asleep.
“Physical closeness with a partner while in bed can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which has been shown to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which may benefit sleep,” says Dr. Troxel. This release of sleep-promoting oxytocin can take place regardless of any intimate acts between the two of you.
Easier to fall asleep
The wonder-hormone oxytocin also induces sleep, so there's no better place to cuddle than in bed! Scientists think that this happens because it suppresses the effects of cortisol, the 'stress hormone'. It calms the body and makes us feel relaxed.
If you're in a romantic relationship with a guy and he cuddles you, it's likely a sign that he feels close to you and enjoys being physically intimate with you. Cuddling can be a way to express love, tenderness, and intimacy without necessarily engaging in sexual activity.
In a recent unpublished survey of nearly 700 college students, Garcia found that an identical proportion of men and women—97 percent—said they liked to cuddle in romantic relationships. In a hook-up scenario, 52 percent of men and 61 percent of women wanted to snuggle.
This is the most popular takeaway. “Men Need to Cuddle More Than Women,” says L.A. Weekly. “Guys like to cuddle more,” says MSNBC. “Cuddling key to happy relationships—for men,” says CBS News.
Some men or women like cuddling because it makes them feel your protector. They like to feel strong and make you feel safe and loved. Oxytocin, released during cuddling, has been shown to increase trust, enhancing the feeling of making you feel protected.
According to a new study, the culprit is our old friend oxytocin, a.k.a. the "love hormone." Its levels shoot up whenever we make physical contact with someone important to us. It's widely understood that its reward system plays a crucial role in deepening the bond between two lovers.
In a study that debunks gender stereotypes, researchers looked at couples in long-term relationships and discovered that males enjoy snuggling and touching more than women do. However, men seek physical closeness just as much as women do, and many men like the sensation of being snuggled.
"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.
This is a self soothing move. He's cuddling it like he would you, suggesting he craves comfort and reassurance. He is stressed and keeps his emotions bottled up. The grip on the pillow is his body's way of releasing tension.
Spooning is the classic cuddle, with 31% of couples opting to nestle together like a set of flatware. If you're not aware, spooning takes place when lying down, with both people on their sides, facing the same way.
Cuddling, like all touch, can be a form of intimacy. “Cuddling is an excellent way to express physical intimacy and affection in a relationship,” says St. John. “It can help create a sense of closeness and security and can be a very intimate experience.”
Men love physical intimacy. Not just sex, even a non-sexual touch is something that can make them go crazy. Cuddling, hugging from behind, playing with their hair or touching their neck gives them a feeling of being loved. All these actions give them a sense of attachment, passion and care which every guy loves.
For example, you can watch his body language. He's likely to turn his body towards you when in conversation and to make eye contact with you. He may pay attention to you more than others that are around. He's also likely to try spending time with you more than with others when he's falling in love.
Make quick, casual contact.
Lean in, bending from your waist. The idea here is not full-body contact, which is a much more intimate and personal hug. Wrap one arm around her arm and place your hand in-between her shoulder blades. Wrap your other arm around her and place your hand below your first hand.
When we touch – cuddle, hug, or holding hands – our bodies release “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression.
"Cuddling with someone you're in love with gives you a sense of closeness and relaxes your heart and mind. If you feel comfortable with this person, it lets you have your guard down completely. And I share this feeling with my girl.
Holding hands while sleeping is common for couples with strong relationships. They hold their sweetheart's hand to show their partner that they will always be by their side. The relationship is so strong that their trust is unbreakable.
Bedtime couple intimate activities include cuddling, massaging, kissing, and making love. Sleeping habits are also essential for couples, and couples should lie down together whenever possible.