If sleeping with his partner is not always easy (some opt elsewhere for a separate room, in order to save their nights and their couple), the fact of going to bed together would still have at least a positive effect: this lowers the level of stress. Especially if you spend a few minutes cuddling before throwing yourself in the arms of Morpheus. It is a study that says it!
Tell me how you sleep, I’ll tell you if you stress
Scientists thus sought to determine whether the favorite sleep positions of individuals were linked to the sleep positions they adopted with their partner at the start of sleep (at bedtime, before changing position during the night). 143 heterosexual couples, whose average of common life was 13 years, were surveyed.
The participants indicated the degree of physical proximity in their usual sleep position at the start of sleep. They also evaluated the perceived stress, the insecurity of attachment (using the scale of experiences of close relations – abbreviated version), sleep disorders (via the scale of promised sleep disorders), diurnal sleepiness and their favorite sleep position.
First information: the results have not shown any significant association between an individual’s favorite sleep position and the couple’s sleep position at the start of sleep. On the other hand, couples having declared to sleep physically closer to the time of falling asleep also reported perceived stress levels and anxious attachment or avoiding lower than the others.
A few minutes of proximity boost the feeling of safety
“”We found that closer sleep positions (in spoon, entwined or face to face) were associated with a decrease in stress felt by the couple and less insecure attachment, but were not linked to sleep disorders, neither directly nor indirectly. Thus, our study supports the idea that hugs to fall asleep could be beneficial for physiological and relational functioning“, attest to the authors of the study, published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationshipships.
“”However, additional research in this area is essential, and there is still a lot to explore and understand “they conclude.
Indeed, at this stage, it is difficult to know if physical proximity improves the quality of the relationship or if more secure couples sleep naturally closer to each other. But in doubt, do not hesitate to cuddle yourself in two when you say good night!