A new study suggests that a simple bedtime cuddle before bed could be a powerful tool for improving emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction. Researchers from Auburn University discovered a significant benefit for couples who sleep in closer, more intimate positions. They report lower stress levels. These couples also feel stronger security and attachment to their partners.
The study was led by psychologist Josh Novak and cognitive development researcher Kaleigh Miller. They analyzed bedtime behaviors of 143 heterosexual, mixed-gender, co-sleeping couples. TheseA crucial element was the bedtime cuddle shared by these couples, who had an average relationship length of 13 years.
“Physical closeness at sleep onset may be a promising and amenable avenue. It can improve relational and physiological well-being,” the researchers wrote in their paper, highlighting the importance of a bedtime cuddle for emotional connection. This adds to a growing body of evidence on the psychological benefits of physical affection.
CLOSENESS COUNTS MORE THAN COMFORT
The study focused specifically on how couples positioned themselves at the beginning of the night. It did not necessarily examine how they stayed throughout. Couples who started the night spooning, intertwined, or sleeping face-to-face with a bedtime cuddle reported lower stress and higher relationship satisfaction.
Individual sleep preferences are quite interesting. For example, one’s preference to sleep on their back or side didn’t always align with couple positioning. This suggests that the motivation to be physically close to a partner outweighs personal comfort in these initial moments of sleep.
“This finding may suggest that individual sleep position may not be a driver or a factor in how a couple chooses to cuddle at night,” the researchers noted. Instead, ithaving a bedtime cuddle is driven by a desire or need to be close to one’s partner.”
CUDDLES BEFORE SLEEP, NOT ALL NIGHT LONG
The benefits didn’t necessarily extend to the entire night. Researchers found no strong link between physical closeness and improved sleep quality. They suggest that while cuddlinga bedtime cuddle may reduce stress and strengthen emotional bonds, it doesn’t guarantee better sleep.
“Perhaps intimate positions are disruptive of sleep,” the team suggested, “because sustaining long cuddling positions may be uncomfortable, may increase body temperature, one or both partners have sleep problems or disorders, or a myriad of other reasons.”
In other words, brief cuddling at sleep onset may be all that’s needed to gain the psychological benefits. After that, both partners naturally shift into more comfortable sleeping positions.
NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL
The researchers cautioned that these findings are based on self-reported data. They emphasized that it is from a single point in time. Therefore, they can’t definitively claim cause and effect. Not everyone experiences physical touch the same way. Variables like age, relationship duration, and whether children or pets share the bed can influence outcomes.
Still, the research provides a science-backed endorsement of something many couples already instinctively feel: a bedtime cuddle can make a big difference in feeling connected and supported in a relationship.
SMALL GESTURE, BIG IMPACT
As Novak and Miller emphasize, this is a simple, free way to improve relationship well-being—and one that doesn’t require a massive lifestyle change.
So while you don’t have to cuddle all night long, spending just a few intentional moments of closeness before sleep with a bedtime cuddle could help reduce stress, deepen your emotional bond, and leave both partners feeling more secure.