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  • New research shows that the couple who sleeps together, stays together!

  • Hey guys, Tara here for Dnews - and I don’t think I’m alone when I publicly declare that cuddling is awesome.

  • It’s warm, it’s soft - and according to new research, it’s good for your health AND your relationship.

  • A 2009 study from the University of Pittsburgh found that women in long-term, stable relationships tend to fall asleep more quickly and wake up fewer times during the night, than women who are single or in unstable relationships.

  • Other studies, in recent years, paint a different image though- saying that both men and women move around more when sleeping together.

  • But according to Wendy Troxel, a psychology professor at the University of Pittsburgh, the psychological benefits of co-sleeping outweigh the physical downsides.

  • The science behind it is still unclear, she says, but there are a few theories as to why this is.

  • One hypothesis is that for couples in healthy relationships, sleeping together promotes feelings of safety and security, which may lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

  • It could also reduce cytokines, which promote inflammation, as well as boost oxytocin - a hormone that’s been shown to ease anxiety.

  • Whatever the reason, it seems one thing is clear: a happy relationship, leads to better sleeping. And vice versa.

  • A 2010 study of 29 couples, found that women who had fewer negative interactions with their partners during the day, also slept better at night.

  • And for men, it was the same - but with one additional caveat: better sleep also led to fewer negative interactions the next day.

  • According to Christina McCrea, an associate professor at the University of Florida, clearing up any relationship issues can often ease insomnia.

  • But what about couples who have different sleeping schedules?

  • Do they still reap the benefits of sleeping together?

  • Well, it seems the answer isnot quite.”

  • According to a 1991 study, couples who went to bed and woke up at different times, tended to argue more, spent less time together in shared activities, and had slightly less sex.

  • Unfortunately, your body’s internal clock isn’t easy to change.

  • So most sleep specialists suggest that couples who have mismatched sleeping times, arrange a “special bedroom timewhere they both go to bed, spend some time together,

  • and then the night owl gets to leave and come back later when theyre ready to sleep.

  • Another piece of advice, is that couples use separate blankets if one of the partners is a particularly restless sleeper.

  • Whatever you decide to do, you can now rest easy knowing that sleepovers are doing your body good.

  • What are your thoughts on this - and do you tend to sleep better or worse, with a partner?

  • Feel free to share your experiences with us, in the comments down below.

  • And as always, thanks for watching Dnews!

New research shows that the couple who sleeps together, stays together!

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