The Benefits of Sharing a Bed

We can all admit that sharing a bed has its pros and cons. Some nights are bliss while others lead to an endless duvet tug of war, your partners snoring kicking in or being on the receiving end of some ‘light’ jabs as if you’re in a boxing match while you sleep. Despite all of that, we can safely say there’s something that’s just so lovely about climbing into bed next to someone you care about after a long day. 

Whether you share a bed with your partner, your child regularly sneaks in through the night, or your beloved furry friend spends their evenings curled up at your feet, sharing a bed has some real, tangible benefits. It has impacts on your health, your relationship, and your general well-being. So, if you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether all those disrupted nights are worth it, take a look through today's post breaking down the many upsides of sharing a bed. 

1. Better sleep 

This one might sound counterintuitive but believe it or not it is the truth. We’ve all had one of those nights where we end up clinging to the edge of the mattress all night because the other party has starfished themselves across the bed. Studies have shown that people sleep more soundly when sharing a bed with a loved one – especially in the long term (1). 

That sense of comfort and security that comes from having someone next to you can have real physical effects. It can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the feel-good, bonding hormone). This ultimately creates a more relaxed state, helping you drift off a lot easier and also stay asleep longer. 

Of course, this depends on the dynamics – if your partner snores like a chainsaw every single night, all bets are off. But in general, being in the presence of someone you feel close to can be a real sleep-booster. 

2. It’s good for your mental health 

Sharing a bed can help significantly to reduce unwanted feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression. Just the simple act of physical closeness – a cuddle, a touch, or even just lying side by side – can be deeply soothing for a lot of people. 

In today’s fast-paced world, where screen time often replaces time spent physically interacting with others, having a nightly point of connection can really ground you and bring you back to the present moment. It’s like a quiet, daily reminder that you’re not alone, and that someone’s there – even if they are snoring a little too loud and drooling a smidge. 

3. Strengthens your relationship 

In some cases, bedtime might actually be one of the only consistent opportunities couples get to connect without distractions. That moment before bed is just the two of you, there’s no emails, no phone calls, no social media.  

It’s a chance to talk, unwind, relax, share a laugh, or simply just enjoy each other’s company with no interruptions. That physical closeness – whether it leads to intimacy or just a gentle cuddle – builds up the feelings of trust and emotional intimacy. Over time, this can play a significant role in strengthening the bond of two people in a relationship (2). 

There’s evidence that couples who regularly share a bed tend to report higher relationship satisfaction overall. So, maybe the next time you're tempted to kick your other half out for stealing the covers, opt for just stealing them back instead. 

4. Helps to regulate body temperature (sort of) 

On those chilly winter nights, nothing can really beat the feeling of wrapping your freezing cold limbs around your partner who just happened to be a very handy human hot water bottle. Snuggling up and sharing body heat is a really effective way to warm yourself up and equally cool your partner down, the best of both worlds really.  

Interestingly, studies have shown that some couples will naturally adjust their positions through the night to regulate temperature. Starting off cuddled up, and naturally drifting apart to cool down (3). It’s like a subconscious dance that helps both of you stay comfortable through the night. 

5. It can boost your immune system 

No, really. There’s research to suggest that regular, affectionate physical contact, even the little things like cuddling or holding hands, can lead to stronger immune responses (4). 

When you share a bed and engage in skin-to-skin contact, your body releases oxytocin, lowers stress, and balances your immune function. Over time, this actually has the potential to make you more resilient to those pesky bugs and colds. 

Plus, being physically close to someone means you’re probably going to be swapping some microbes around. This might sound gross, especially to my fellow germophobes out there, but this can actually help strengthen your immune system by exposing it to a broader range of bacteria, not just your own (5). 

6. You’ll probably laugh more 

Hopefully, if you’re sharing a bed with someone that you love and enjoy spending time with, odds are you’ve had at least one of those golden late-night gigglefests. You know the ones – something random makes one person have a little chuckle and before you know it the two of you are left crying with laughter at 1am for no real reason at all. 

These shared, silly moments can be some of the most important, helping to keep things light-hearted, especially after the long and stressful days many of us have to deal with. Laughter is one of the most powerful bonding tools we have as humans – and there’s no better place for it than under the covers (well… maybe one or two places, but you get the idea). 

7. Reduces blood pressure and heart rate 

Research suggests that physical closeness, like cuddling or spooning, can work to help lower your heart rate and blood pressure. This is partly due to the calming effect of oxytocin and the reduction in stress hormones when we feel safe, secure and connected (6). 

Over time, this can be really good for your cardiovascular health – and may potentially even reduce the risk of heart disease. So yes, spooning might actually be good for your heart in more ways than one. 

But what if it’s not all roses? 

Of course we understand, not everyone really enjoys sharing a bed. Some people are super light sleepers. Others run hot and feel smothered or claustrophobic the second someone gets too close. And of course, sometimes having a snoring partner can make even the best memory foam mattress feel like a war zone. 

That’s okay too. The benefits of sharing a bed don’t mean it’s the only way to have a healthy relationship or get a good night’s sleep, it’s all about what works best for you and your partner. Plenty of couples choose to sleep in separate beds or rooms – and as long as there’s still love, affection, and communication, it ultimately doesn’t matter where you’re snoozing. 

Sharing a bed: final thoughts 

At the end of the day, sharing a bed isn’t just about sleep. It’s about connection, comfort, and creating a little sanctuary just for the two of you, away from the rest of the world. Sure, there’ll be times when someone hogs the duvet or lets out a fart under the covers (we’ve all been there). But there’s something wonderfully human about that kind of closeness – imperfections and all. 

So, whether you spend your nights cuddled up with your partner, your child, or a four-legged friend, don’t underestimate the quiet magic of sharing a bed. It’s good for your health, your heart, and your head. And if nothing else, it makes getting up in the morning just a little bit harder – in the best possible way. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-sleeping-next-to-your-partner-7100604 
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6702108/ 
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6491889/ 
4. https://www.aru.ac.uk/news/this-is-why-physical-affection-can-boost-your-health 
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26417606/  
6. https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-cuddling