With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and expectations of roses and chocolates at an all-time high, February is an important month for any romanticist. However, have you ever considered the advantages and drawbacks of sharing a bed with your partner? Continue reading our blog for greater insight.
You know that feeling of laying in bed all snug and cosy next to your partner? Well, there’s a science behind that. WebMD explains, ‘when you cuddle with someone you care about, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin that calms you and makes you more likely to deal better with stress. The more relaxed and content you feel laying in bed, the sooner you’re likely to fall asleep, too; it’s a win-win scenario.
Sure, plenty of us remark that we feel safe while sharing a bed with our loved ones, but is there any truth in this? In short- yes. Research suggests, from an emotional standpoint, that sleeping next to someone means reduced anxiety, a sense of safety, improved sleep quality, and increased happiness
Apart from the obvious tribulations of your duvet being taken during the night, the ‘you’re over my side’ debate and being kicked in your sleep, there are a few other reasons why some couples prefer sleeping separately.
As much as they may deny it, I’m sure your partner has snored at one time or another, much to the detriment of you achieving a good night’s sleep. If this is an issue for yourself or your partner, earplugs are a good compromise.
Sure, cuddling is great, but it could contribute to a poor night’s sleep. It’s proven that close contact during cuddling might raise your body temperature excessively. Your mattress, however, may also be the cause of feeling too hot during the night. Below, we outline the importance of a suitable mattress and how you can quickly settle on the sleeping solution that’s best suited for you and your partner.
If sharing a bed with your partner appeals to you, but it’s just not working out, it could be time to assess your mattress. Regardless of how cosy and content you feel when you first get into bed, a poor quality or unsuitable mattress will almost always get in the way of great sleep quality and quantity. Regarding mattresses, it isn’t a case of one size fits all, and your sleeping position goes a long way to determining what’s best for you. For context, soft, medium or medium firm mattresses are advised for side sleepers, whereas front and back sleepers are best suited to firm or extra firm mattresses. More insight into mattress suitability can be found in our ‘What Mattress Tension Do I Need?’ blog.
If you’re prone to overheating during the night, we suggest avoiding memory foam mattresses as they are renowned for their heat retention properties. Instead, opt for a mattress with similar body moulding capabilities that offer a breathable solution such as latex or gel foam. Alternatively, a mattress with natural fillings could be the ideal solution, as cotton and wool, for instance, are fantastic at wicking away moisture for a cool and dry sleeping surface.