Wednesday, November 6, 2024

New survey shows your relationship status tallies with how well you sleep

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New Survey Shows Your Relationship Status Tallies with How Well You Sleep

Relationship Status Affects Sleep Quality

A new survey of Australian adults has found that your relationship status can impact how well you sleep. The study, published in the March edition of the Sleep Science journal, found that people who live with a regular partner tend to fall asleep faster than those who have occasional or casual partners, or who are single.

The survey, which asked nearly 800 Australian adults about their relationship status and sleep quality, found that people who live with a regular partner take an average of 10 minutes less to fall asleep than those who do not. This may not seem like a significant difference, but studies have shown that just four to eight minutes can be the difference between people with insomnia and healthy sleepers.

Why Relationship Status Matters

So, why does relationship status matter when it comes to sleep? There are a few possible explanations. People who are in casual or new relationships may experience greater physiological arousal, such as a racing heart and faster breathing, which can make it harder to fall asleep. On the other hand, being in an ongoing relationship may be associated with feelings of physical and emotional security, which can reduce physiological arousal and improve sleep.

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It’s also possible that we find it easier to sleep next to someone we trust because it is an evolutionary adaptation. In the past, sleeping next to someone we trusted may have been a way to ensure our safety from predators. This could be why people in ongoing relationships tend to sleep better than those who are single or in casual relationships.

What the Study Found

The study found that people who live with a regular partner tend to fall asleep faster than those who do not. This is true for both men and women, but the difference is more pronounced for women. Women who live with a regular partner take an average of 12 minutes less to fall asleep than those who do not, while men take an average of 6 minutes less.

The study also found that people who live with a regular partner tend to report higher post-sex emotional satisfaction and more frequent orgasms. This could be because being in an ongoing relationship provides a sense of security and trust, which can enhance sexual experiences.

What This Means for Your Sleep

So, what does this mean for your sleep? If you’re having trouble sleeping, it may be worth considering your relationship status. If you’re single or in a casual relationship, you may want to try strategies such as improving your sleep habits or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. If you’re in an ongoing relationship, you may want to focus on building trust and intimacy with your partner.

It’s also important to note that relationship status is just one factor that can affect sleep. Other factors, such as work stress, family responsibilities, and health issues, can also impact sleep quality. By addressing these underlying issues and building a strong, trusting relationship, you may be able to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that relationship status can impact sleep quality, with people who live with a regular partner tend to fall asleep faster and report better sleep quality than those who do not. This could be due to a range of factors, including physiological arousal, feelings of security and trust, and evolutionary adaptations. By considering your relationship status and building a strong, trusting relationship, you may be able to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

FAQs

Q: How did the study define “regular partner”?
A: The study defined a “regular partner” as someone who is in a committed, ongoing relationship.

Q: How did the study measure sleep quality?
A: The study used a shorter version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which is a widely used measure of sleep quality.

Q: What are some strategies for improving sleep quality?
A: Some strategies for improving sleep quality include improving sleep habits, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Q: Can relationship status affect other aspects of health, such as physical and mental health?
A: Yes, relationship status can affect other aspects of health, such as physical and mental health. For example, people who are in ongoing relationships may have lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who are single or in casual relationships.

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