Falling In Love Has An Unexpected Effect On Your Sleep – Health Digest



According to a 2016 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science led by developmental and social psychologist Emre Selçuk, having a partner who’s responsive to your needs contributes towards better sleep. 

We can relate to this from memories of childhood. We probably slept better when we felt safe and didn’t sleep that well when we were worried about monsters under our beds. Something similar happens in adulthood, only in relation to our partners. “Our findings show that individuals with responsive partners experience lower anxiety and arousal, which in turn improves their sleep quality. Having responsive partners who would be available to protect and comfort us should things go wrong is the most effective way for us humans to reduce anxiety, tension, and arousal,” explained Selçuk (via OneBed). Furthermore, a 2019 study published in Personal Relationships found an association between being in love, reduced stress levels, and better sleep. 

Some of the same hormones we blamed for keeping you awake when you don’t really need to be are the ones that contribute toward more restful sleep when you share a bed with someone you love, per the experts. When you’re in love, you feel happy and connected to someone. This is an effect of the hormone oxytocin (among others). “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,” Wendy Troxel told Well+Good. 



Source link