“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.
'Sharing a bed may also reduce cytokines, involved in inflammation, and boost oxytocin, the so-called love hormone that is known to ease anxiety and is produced in the same part of the brain responsible for the sleep-wake cycle, suggested the WSJ.
Summary: A new study finds a relationship between bed sharing, sleep and mental health. Adults who share a bed with a partner or spouse sleep better than those who sleep alone, according to a new study.
Sleeping close to someone you love not only helps you fall asleep faster but has a host of other health benefits too as per a study. It so happens that when we sleep alone, we are by ourselves and our mind begins to wander which leads to overthinking. This mental activity makes it more difficult to sleep.
So, why can't you sleep when your partner is away? It's simple - you're used to sleeping together, and the absence of their physical presence can throw off your routine. For most couples, once they fall into a routine of sleeping together every night, it's very hard to sleep without their partner.
Being physically close to the one you love means your brain will release oxytocin, the "love hormone" and serotonin, the "happy hormone." For men, sex can release a cocktail of brain chemicals, including the hormone prolactin, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, and heart-healthy nitric oxide (NO).
Somniphobia. One common reason people find themselves unable to sleep alone is the fear of actually going to sleep, also known as somniphobia. This centers around restless or uncontrollable thoughts, and prevents people from falling asleep even if they are tired.
When you sleep next to someone you love, the body releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, making you even more sleepy. If you're all loved up in bed—sharing kisses, cuddling, and spending intimate time—your body will release these love hormones.
Surprisingly, men actually sleep better when they sleep next to a woman. There are a lot more couples sleeping separately than you might guess, says Mark Mahowald, director of the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center in Minneapolis and a professor of neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
It can strengthen a relationship
A University of Hertfordshire survey revealed that 86% of couples that slept within an inch of one another were happy in their relationships, whilst only 66% of couples who slept with a distance of more than 30 inches between them could say the same.
“Normal” is whatever feels fulfilling for you and your partner, and communication plays a key role in making sure both parties feel fulfilled. That said, a 2017 study that appeared in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that the average adult currently enjoys sex 54 times a year, which equates to about once a week.
Research by scientists like Troxel has shown that sleeping together in bed for at least some portion of the night can have positive benefits for long-term relationship health (and even individual physical health).
This position can also signal emotional and physical dependence on your partner. 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.
“When you're at ease and in love with your partner, your body releases feel good hormones, mainly dopamine and serotonin,” wrote Kim at Slumber and Smile. “The secretion of hormones can cause you to feel more tired and sleepy than normal, and you may even fall asleep faster.” That actually explains a lot!
People are taking to social media to talk about "sleep divorces," the idea of sleeping separately from your partner to get a better night's sleep. On TikTok, there are more than 355,000 views for the hashtag #sleepdivorce — and experts say there can be potential benefits.
However, various research studies have found that despite these factors, partners who sleep next to each other tend to experience better sleep, greater intimacy, and improved mental health. National Institutes of Health.
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.
What does this mean? Your girlfriend feels safe, secure, and at peace when she's with you. She is finally able to relax, and let the day go, let her mind quiet, enjoy your presence, and drift off.
The fear of falling asleep can have many causes, from trauma to sleep apnea, and the effects are debilitating.
If you are unable to stop thinking about someone, you most likely have 'anxious attachment'. You might push and pull in relationships to get a break from the anxiety they cause you. But if the other person leaves, you panic.
What Is Sleep Anxiety or Somniphobia? Sleep anxiety, also known as somniphobia is a sleep disorder that describes discomfort sleeping alone or a general fear of falling asleep. Those who experience somniphobia explain it as extreme anxiety that makes it difficult to get to sleep even when they are tired.
According to a research published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour, a married couple should get intimate around 51 times a year, which turns out to be once a week, to lead a satisfying and happy life.
Once a week is a common baseline, experts say. That statistic depends slightly on age: 40- and 50-year-olds tend to fall around that baseline, while 20- to 30-year olds tend to average around twice a week.