The Great Cuddle Debate

Posted on - 27th May 2021

Whether you're in a new relationship or coming up to your ruby anniversary there is a long-standing debate over whether you should cuddle with your loved one while trying to sleep

Whether you're in a new relationship or coming up to your ruby anniversary there is a long-standing debate over whether you should cuddle with your loved one while trying to sleep, or whether you need to have your own space in the bed and sleep with some space between you. While for most it's personal preference, there is some science to support both sides of the debate.

For The Cuddlers

A good cuddle is the sign of that all-important intimacy. So why wouldn't you want to make the most of the intimacy and fall asleep intertwined with the one you love?
Cuddling releases healthy doses of oxytocin into the brain, also known as the love hormone, it helps to reduce levels of anxiety and stress, making you significantly calmer and able to fall asleep faster.
The feeling of security you have when you are cuddled up under the covers is second to none. You can have the greatest security system in your home and live in a gated community, but being wrapped up with your partner gives you that added feeling of security.
In winter, we often find ourselves freezing as we get into bed, or layering up to the point where you are uncomfortable. Cuddling up means that you can share your body heat. Even if you are both cold when you get into bed, the contact will help to heat you both right up.

For The Ones Who Want Space

Around 50% of sleep disturbances can be attributed to sharing your bed with your partner. Although this figure isn't just because of cuddling, we would assume that a good chunk of it certainly is. This also includes fidgety sleepers, hot sleepers and snorers.
As we mentioned above that cuddling can warm you up in the winter, in the summer it can overheat you, meaning that you are even more uncomfortable and fidgety than you would otherwise be.

Choose A Good Mattress

Whether you are a cuddler, or prefer your own space, sharing a bed can sometimes lead to disturbed sleep. The best way to combat this is to find the most appropriate bed for both parties. Sometimes this may mean a compromise where neither ends up with the perfect one for them, but it is as close to the middle ground as possible.
You will also want to consider a mattress that moulds to your shape as an individual rather than one that moves when either of you moves, as this will likely disturb the other. If you are a lover of spring mattresses, look into pocket sprung mattresses as they reduce the overall movement. Other great alternatives include memory foam mattresses and the latest in latex mattresses as both adapt to you, latex mattresses are also more likely to keep you cooler, even if you are sharing body haet with a good old cuddle.

With many of us living busy lives, whether we work long hours or shifts, the household is busy with kids and pets or we have a range of other commitments, we find ourselves spending less time one on one with our loved one. We understand that we cant always find the time while we are awake to be together, so cuddling while you sleep can help you to retain that intimacy and reduce the feeling of being alone.

For more information on choosing the right mattress as a couple, feel free to contact us and our expert team will be happy to discuss your options. Head over to our knowledge hub for a range of answers to FAQs from our very own sleep doctor.

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