Some enjoy sleeping on their own, while others feel better sleeping next to the one they love, myself included.
Although it can be a personality thing, research has shown that there is evidence of the health benefits that come from sleeping next to the one you love.
Not only can it improve your mental health, but it has also been proven to help your overall health too. Here's how:
Better sleep.
One thing which almost all of us strive for is a good nights sleep which can be difficult for some, especially if you are lying alone. Research has shown that people in stable relationships fall asleep faster and have fewer sleep disturbances than people who are single, or those whose relationship status has recently changed.
You fall asleep faster.
Did you know that it should take between 10-20 minutes for you to fall asleep? Anything longer than that can affect the efficiency of your sleep.
Sleeping alone gives the mind time to wander which can result in overthinking and further difficulty falling asleep.
Sleeping next to your partner makes you feel secure and more relaxed, helping you to fall asleep easier and faster.
Making love helps sleep.
Research shows couples that have sex before going to sleep find falling asleep that bit easier. This is actually backed by science - when you make love, you release oxytocin which helps you feel more relaxed and actually allows you to go into a deeper sleep faster.
As well as that, having an orgasm can significantly benefit your sleep. This is because when you orgasm, you release a plethora of hormones.
Which include:
- Oxytocin -the love hormone which helps you feel relaxed
- Serotonin -contributes to wellbeing and happiness
- Norepinephrine -this helps to regulate sleep and balances responses to stress
- Vasopressin -increases sleep quality and decreases cortisol
- Prolactin -associated with improving the immune system, great sleep and quality of life
