Why Sleeping Next to Someone You Love Promotes a Better Night’s Rest

When you are in a relationship and live with your partner it’s widely assumed that you’ll be sharing your bed with them. However, getting good quality sleep is crucial, and if you find it hard to share your bed with someone who is liable to move and snore at any given moment, this could end in a sleep divorce.

Our 2024 UK Sleep Survey revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of people said they sleep better when their partner isn’t in the bed with them. And 18% would rather sleep with a pet.

However, sleeping next to someone you love can often help improve your sleep quality. So, whether you’re a cuddle monster or just want some sleeping space, we have advice and guidance on the pros and cons of sleeping next to a loved one.

Being physically close to someone at any point in the day can make you feel better. That’s because touching someone releases dopamine and serotonin, ‘both of which can boost your mood and cure depression.’ Cuddling your partner through the day provides a boost in emotional well-being and this positive hormonal change affects both partners. In short, this often means your happiness levels improve while stress is reduced.

For women, in particular, a study by Wendy M. Troxel, assistant professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, discovered that those in long-term, stable relationships fell asleep faster and woke less frequently than their single counterparts or those with changing relationships statuses.

As Dr Wendy Troxel states,

‘one hypothesis suggests that by promoting feelings of safety and security, shared sleep in healthy relationships may lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Sharing a bed may also reduce cytokines, involved in inflammation, and boost oxytocin, the so-called love hormone that is known to ease anxiety’.

If you and your partner have severely misaligned body clocks then you’ll need to compromise. For example, any night owls will need to creep into bed as quietly as they can and heavy snorers should invest in nasal strips and earbuds for their partner.

As with any sleeping issues, making sure your sleeping environment is as sleep-friendly as possible is the best way to achieve a good night’s rest. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, is sufficiently dark, and that your bed and mattress are supportive and suited to your nightly needs.