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Insomnia has become the norm rather than the exception in modern times, when factors ranging from stress to prolonged screen exposure often overstimulate the brain and interfere with the process of falling and staying asleep. During and after the Covid period, cases of insomnia have witnessed a huge increase and more and more people are unable to get their mandatory 8 hours of sleep every night. When it comes to good sleep, experts recommend following proper sleep hygiene, which means adopting healthy bedtime habits that can help one get a good night’s sleep. (Also read | Listening to soothing words in sleep slows down your heart rate: Research)
How you sleep can have a profound impact on your mental health. A deep, restful sleep can prevent anxiety, stress and depression from dominating your life, while a broken and restless sleep can do the opposite and even lead to problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Recent research has linked sharing a bed with your partner to better mental health, while there are also studies that say sleeping alone is better as it can help with uninterrupted rest.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona and published in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that adults who share a bed with their partner or spouse sleep better than those who sleep alone. According to the study, those who shared a bed with a partner experienced less severe insomnia, less fatigue, and slept longer than those who never shared a bed with a partner.
According to this study, sleeping with your partner can do wonders for your mental health as partners who sleep together have less depression, anxiety and stress and more satisfaction with life and relationships; They fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and had a lower risk of sleep apnea, the study said.
But according to some experts, sharing a bed can affect the quality of people’s sleep, especially for those who sleep better than their partners and may be disrupted by the other partner’s snoring or moving around. Getting into position can be challenging.
According to a New York Times survey conducted on 2,200 American adults in the year 2023, a new trend of sleep divorce is gaining popularity among the people and more and more couples are now sleeping in separate bedrooms most days of the week.
If one partner experiences sleep problems and results in tossing and turning, this may impact the other partner’s sleep as well. Sleeping alone can help your partner avoid arguments over the temperature of the AC, the speed of the fan or the firmness of the mattress.
Experts say ‘sleep divorce’ can improve sleep quality but if communication and intimacy suffer as a result of being apart at night, the quality of the relationship suffers.
In the field of sleep, the debate between sharing the same bed and sleeping alone has been long-running. Beyond mere preference, this extends to the realm of mental health, with both sides claiming benefits. But what does the science tell us about the impact of these sleep arrangements on mental health?
Shared bed: the comfort of companionship
“For many people, sharing a bed symbolizes intimacy, comfort, and security. It promotes a feeling of closeness and connection with a partner, which can have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that physical Touch, like hugs, releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction. This can lead to feelings of happiness, relaxation, and reduced anxiety, all of which are beneficial for mental well-being,” says Dr. Chandni. Says Tugnait MD (alternative medicines), psychiatrist, life coach, business. Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder and Director – Gateway of Healing.
“In addition, sharing a bed can promote better communication and emotional support between partners. The act of sharing space, even in sleep, can strengthen the bond and strengthen feelings of trust and security. Emotional This sense of connection can act as a buffer against stress and contribute to overall psychological resilience,” she adds.
Sleeping Alone: A Sanctuary of Solitude
“On the other hand, sleeping alone offers its own set of mental health benefits. For some individuals, solitude during sleep provides a sense of freedom and autonomy. It is free from potential disturbances or interruptions caused by a partner’s movements or activities. , allowing uninterrupted rest. Snoring. “This uninterrupted sleep can improve mood, cognitive function, and overall mental clarity,” says Dr. Chandni.
“In addition, sleeping alone can be empowering, especially for individuals who value personal space and privacy. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection, which may be conducive to emotional processing and stress management.” For those who struggle with anxiety or sensory sensitivity, “the controlled environment of a secluded sleeping space can promote feelings of peace and relaxation,” says Dr. Chandni.
finding balance
Ultimately, the question of whether sharing a bed or sleeping alone is better for mental health depends on individual needs and preferences. Some people thrive on the companionship and intimacy of shared sleep, while others find solace and refreshment in solitary rest.
“It’s essential to prioritize open communication and mutual respect when making sleeping arrangements with a partner. It may require accommodating each other’s preferences and making compromises to ensure that both individuals feel comfortable and supported . Additionally, it is important to maintain healthy sleep habits regardless of sleeping arrangements. A consistent sleep schedule, a favorable sleep environment, and relaxation techniques can all contribute to better mental and emotional well-being,” Dr. Chandni said. concluded.
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