Sleep is an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing; it revitalizes and rejuvenates our bodies, helping us to function optimally every day.

Quality sleep is an undeniable factor in this equation, and as such, scientists have studied all sorts of things that can impact our ability to get quality sleep – one of which is sleeping partners.

While an increasing number of people are opting to sleep alone, the majority of us share a bed with a partner. The question then arises – do you get better rest sleeping alone, or with a partner? The answer might surprise you.

Sleeping alone versus sleeping with a partner

It’s no secret that sleep is critical to our mental and physical health, and sleeping alone seems like the perfect way to get all the rest you need.

The thought of sharing your bed with someone else might trigger nightmarish flashbacks of snoring, tossing, and turning, or even awful nights of sleeplessness. However, research shows that sleeping with a partner could work wonders to enhance the quality of your sleep.

In a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Sleep Medicine Institute, researchers found that women who share their beds with their partners have better quality sleep than those who sleep alone.

The study observed 34 women aged between 18 and 45, who were tracked for sleep for two weeks; one week, they slept alone, while the other week, they slept with their partner.

The study found that the women slept better, had increased REM sleep, and spent less time in light sleep stages when sleeping with their partners.

Another study found that sleeping with a partner may also decrease stress levels and increase oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin helps to lower blood pressure and promote feelings of relaxation which goes a long way in enhancing sleep quality.

The benefits of sleeping with a partner

The quality of your sleep goes beyond just getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night; sharing your bed with a partner can bring some surprising benefits that will lead to better rest.

Here are five ways sleeping with your partner can improve your sleep:.

Decreases Stress Levels

Sharing a bed with someone you love and trust can reduce stress levels significantly. Being next to your partner often triggers the release of oxytocin levels, reducing the level of cortisol in your body, known as the stress hormone.

The decreased cortisol levels help prevent sleep disorders, enhance muscle relaxation, and calm the mind, leading to a better quality of sleep.

Increased Sense of Security and Comfort

Humans are social creatures, and the companionship that comes from sleeping with a partner can bring a sense of security and comfort that promotes optimal sleep.

Sleeping with a partner can also help you fall asleep faster as prolonged cuddling can cause an increase in drowsiness, helping you drift off to rest faster.

Improved Physical and Emotional Bonding

The physical act of sleeping with your partner can also improve the emotional and physical bond between you two, leading to better communication, connection, and emotional support.

This, in turn, increases trust, comfort, and overall satisfaction in your relationship, which also enhances sleep quality.

Reduced Snoring

Snoring can seriously affect sleep quality. Sleeping with a partner can reduce the severity of snoring leading to a better night’s sleep.

Positional therapy, where your partner helps to adjust your sleeping positions to reduce snoring, can significantly improve sleep quality for those who snore excessively.

Enhanced Physical Health

Sharing your bed with someone else can lead to improved physical health; sleeping with a partner can improve your sense of reassurance and comfort, leading to better overall health and vitality.

This can lead to less severe symptoms for those who suffer from chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and arthritis, among others.

When sleeping with a partner becomes a problem

While sleeping with a partner has its benefits, it’s important to note that this might not be ideal for everyone. Here are some scenarios where sleeping with a partner may do more harm than good:.

When there are fitful sleepers involved

If your partner tosses and turns, chances are high that you’ll catch some of their fitful sleep habits. This can interfere with your sleep and lead to unrestful nights despite being in the same bed.

When one partner has different sleep schedules

Studies have found that people who have different sleep schedules can affect the quality of each other’s sleep.

If your partner is a night owl, and you need to be up early for work, this can lead to frustration and resentment, negatively impacting the sleep quality of both parties.

Where intimacy might lead to sleepless nights

While intimacy is an essential part of human relationship, it can also lead to restless nights, especially when both partners do not share the same level of desire.

In such cases, it may be better to separate sleep from intimacy to prioritize the importance of restful sleep.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of whether to sleep with or without your partner, the answer is more nuanced than we might think.

For many of us, sharing our bed with someone else can bring a sense of comfort, security and lead to better emotional and physical connections, which in turn improve sleep quality. However, if sleeping with a partner negatively impacts your sleep quality, or there are other factors that make sharing a bed difficult, then it might be best to prioritize quality rest and explore other options to improve your sleep habits.