A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships suggests that physical closeness between partners at bedtime may help reduce stress and enhance emotional security in relationships. Conducted by researchers in the U.S., including lead researcher Josh Gentzler from Auburn University, the study observed 143 couples who regularly shared a bed. It focused on the sleep onset phase—the period just before falling asleep—and found that couples who engaged in physical contact, whether in full embrace or light touch, were generally less stressed and felt more emotionally secure.
Though the study was observational and could not confirm causation, the findings propose that cuddling might serve as a stress-buffering behavior, potentially benefiting psychological, physical, and relational well-being. Interestingly, the way individuals sleep alone did not predict how they position themselves with a partner, and physical contact did not seem to impair sleep quality.
However, Gentzler hypothesizes that couples might separate after falling asleep due to discomfort or overheating. More research is recommended to explore these connections further.
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