Mzansi, it turns out that you need more than an electric blanket or hot water bottle to get peaceful sleep. According to researchers from the University of Arizona, adults who share their bed with a partner or spouse, enjoy better sleep compared to those sleeping alone.
The team of American researchers set out to explore the relationship between bed sharing, sleep, and mental health. This new study suggests that the benefits of a shared bed includes less insomnia, less fatigue and more time asleep as well as nodding off quicker.
As if singles needed anything else to feel bad about, the research also shows that sleeping with a partner is associated with lower depression, anxiety and stress, says lead author Brandon Fuentes. “Sleeping with a romantic partner or spouse shows to have great benefits on sleep health including reduced sleep apnoea risk, sleep insomnia severity, and overall improvement in sleep quality.”
Fuentes is an undergraduate researcher at the department of psychiatry at the University of Arizona.
To spoon, or not too spoon?
Asked if she preferred to sleep alone or with a partner, Mase Mookapilo (30) from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, says that she rests easy knowing that she can stretch her entire body over her queen-sized bed.
“I prefer to sleep alone, not only because I have been sleeping alone for a while now, but I just like my space on my bed. I need to have space to stretch, so I prefer sleeping by myself. I don’t get any disturbances with anybody next to me, or somebody waking up in the middle of the night.”
Health For Mzansi reader, Mase Mookapilo
Kgomotso Olifants (28), a South African nurse based in Saudi Arabia, admits that if she could sleep with a partner she would but until then she has no choice but to sleep by herself. “For me it is not a matter of preference, I don’t have a choice, I must just sleep alone, what can I do? I don’t have anybody to sleep with, so I sleep alone.”
In Kathu, Dakalo Mphephu (28) tells Health For Mzansi that he loves cuddling because it helps him bond with his partner.
“If I am in a relationship I prefer to sleep with a partner. The sole purpose is to bond and giver her security, let’s says she is scared of lightning or thunder, she will feel safe in my arms.”
Health For Mzansi reader, Dakalo Mphephu
Find peace within
The study involved an analysed data collected in the Sleep and Health Activity, Diet, Environment, and Socialization (SHADES) study of 1 007 working-age adults, explains senior study author, Dr Michael Grandner.
Grander is the director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona. “We were very surprised to find out just how important this could be.”
He adds, “Very few research studies explore this, but our findings suggest that whether we sleep alone or with a partner, family member, or pet, it may impact our sleep health.”
To get good sleep, you need to be comfortable and you need to be in a good headspace, says Karabo Itebogeng (27), also from Kimberley. “When sleeping with a partner, it is best when the love, passion, and vibes are mutual,” he says.
“It is a double-edged sword for me depending on the situation. As long as you are comfortable you will be able to have a good night’s sleep.”
Tips to get better sleep with your partner
If you are struggling to fall asleep next to your loved one, battling over covers and listening to their loud snores, these are some simple tips you can use from BetterSleep:
- Cuddles are best before you sleep: If cupid studied neuroscience, then he would know to aim his arrows at the brain and not the heart. According to research, physical touch releases oxytocin or the love hormone. If you are looking for some peaceful sleep, then it might be best to cuddle before and not during sleep.
- Use separate covers: If you are always at odds fighting over blankets and covers, a simple solution lies in using a shared sheet and separate blankets, bedspreads, and duvets to compartmentalise sleep.
- Get close, but not too close: In a study of sleeping positions, researchers found that being in actual physical touching distance disturbs sleep. You might want to back it up after you and your partner have made it to “Lalaland”.
- Be open, be honest: According to BetterSleep, couples can find peaceful sleep by working on their sleep hygiene and habits. Consider some of these strategies.
- Switching positions: Couples can benefit from switching positions while they sleep. Instead of battling about who gets to be the big spoon or the little spoon, take turns to determine which works best for you.
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