Did you know that on average we sleep for one-third of our lives? It’s no doubt that sleep is very important to our health and can affect various aspects of our lives, even our relationships. Snoring, blanket hogging, and moving around too much in bed are just a few of the issues couples face when they sleep next to one another.

While almost everyone is aware of the downsides of sleeping next to someone, few are aware of the many benefits that come along with it. Not only can it improve your entire relationship, but it can also improve you and your partner’s health.

If you have doubts about sleeping next to a romantic partner for fears of getting bad sleep, or you’re simply interested in learning how laying next to your significant other can help you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn the benefits of sleeping next to a romantic partner.

Stronger Bond

When you sleep next to your significant other, the odds are that you two will be touching in some capacity. Whether you are cuddling close or just casually brushing your feet or hands together, throughout the night chances are your body will come into contact with theirs. This is actually a great thing as physical touch can create deeper bonds between two individuals by providing comfort and reassurance.

This also helps those whose love language is physical touch to feel as if they’re being loved in the way that they need, creating a happier union. Sometimes those who have been in relationships for a long time can forget how a small brush of hands at night can make their partner feel loved and comforted.

Relieves Stress

Not only does physical touch strengthen connections, but things like cuddling together under a cozy weighted blanket can greatly reduce stress. How? By the release of oxytocin also known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is the hormone that is released when two people cuddle and its calming properties will allow you to better handle stress. Cuddling can also decrease cortisol levels which are responsible for stress and will leave people feeling happier and less anxious.

While you’re in bed with your partner, sometimes cuddling can lead to more intimate activities. Sexual intercourse between couples can release endorphins that are necessary when it comes to limiting stress.

Reducing stress is in your best interest as it can do everything from preventing you from getting sick often to improving sexual performance issues like erectile dysfunction. While you can take medications for ED, or buy some over the counter cold and flu medicine, why do so if a cuddle session is all you need.

Improves Mood

When you can get a great night’s rest next to your partner, you’ll undoubtedly wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. As you lay next to your significant other, there is a sense of security most people feel that allow them to properly go through the five stages of sleep. Often when a person’s sleep is interrupted, feelings of anger and anxiety are felt. In the long term, if people constantly lack quality sleep, it can eventually lead to depression and other serious health problems.

By allowing your partner to provide you that comfort and security you will be invariably doing you both a favor. Waking up in a pleasant mood can lead to fewer arguments and set the tone for the rest of you and your partner’s day. Instead of going to work irritated or running errands annoyed, you can offer people a smile rather than a scowl making you and the people around you feel overall better.

While sleeping next to someone certainly has its downsides, it’s not all bad. From cuddling to relieving stress, sleeping next to your significant other may be just what you need to have a better night’s rest and better relationship. If you are someone who experiences troubles while sleeping, consider looking into educational resources that may help you to understand why.

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, meant only for sleep and extracurricular activities of the affectionate kind. Even fighting in the bedroom can cause you sleep loss if your mind becomes used to associating it with a place of conflict and turmoil. So if you need to fight, act like civilized adults and do it outside to give your neighbors something to talk about.

And if you think your partner needs to have a sleep study performed, send them down to The Alaska Sleep Clinic, where we specialize in patching up relationships by eliminating snoring and other sleep problems that are costing you sleep.