Researchers from the University of Arizona have linked co-sleeping with a partner to a lower likelihood of mental health challenges and sleep-related difficulties. At the Annual US Sleep Experts Meeting, findings were shared based on a comprehensive examination of sleep patterns and mental well-being among adults across the United States. The study aimed to understand how sleeping arrangements influence not only how well people rest but also how their emotional health holds up over time, offering a clearer picture of the connection between intimate sleep environments and psychological resilience.
In a detailed survey, investigators spoke with more than a thousand adults about the quality of their sleep and the presence or absence of symptoms associated with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. The participants were categorized by whether they typically slept alone, shared a bed with a romantic partner, or shared a bed with children. The results showed that sharing a bed with a romantic partner correlated with better sleep metrics, including faster sleep onset and longer total sleep duration, suggesting a meaningful benefit to the sleeper’s routine and restfulness when a partner is present at night.
Conversely, the data indicated that sleeping in the same bed as children was associated with higher reports of insomnia and more fragmented sleep for many individuals. Those who slept alone tended to occupy a middle ground, with sleep outcomes that fell between the effects observed in co-sleeping with a partner and co-sleeping with children. The researchers emphasized that this pattern held across a diverse sample, pointing to a broader relationship between nightly company and sleep quality that deserves further exploration in real-world settings.
As the team explained, the impact of sharing a bed with a romantic partner appears to extend beyond simple comfort. A combination of physiological warm contact, emotional bonding, and shared routines could contribute to a calmer nervous system during the night, reduced awakenings, and a smoother transition into deep sleep stages. While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully understood, the researchers noted a consistent association with decreased risk factors for sleep apnea, an overall reduction in insomnia severity, and an improvement in perceived sleep quality. The broader health implications of this pattern may reflect a link between stable, supportive relationships and better physical and mental health, which can feed into more restorative sleep and a healthier daily life. In essence, the presence of a loved one at night may act as a natural stabilizer for some individuals, helping them achieve a more consistent and refreshing rest.”