Sleep is often viewed as an individual experience—something deeply personal and unique to each person’s biological rhythms and habits. Yet, many adults share their beds with a partner, raising an important question: how does co-sleeping influence sleep quality and overall health? Despite its prevalence, scientific research on this topic remains surprisingly limited.
Psychologist Wendy Troxel—a leading expert on the intersection of sleep and relationships—offers a compelling perspective on this issue. She draws a fascinating connection between a couple’s relationship satisfaction and the quality of their sleep, suggesting that how people sleep together may impact their emotional connection and overall health.
Scientific studies that measure sleep through quantifiable variables—such as sleep depth, duration, continuity, and wake frequency—often find that individuals experience “better” sleep when sleeping alone. Objectively, they awaken less frequently and enjoy longer, deeper sleep cycles. However, the participants themselves tell a different story; they report better sleep quality when sharing a bed with their partner. This contrast raises an intriguing question: how should we define quality sleep? Is it the physiological efficiency of a person’s slumber, or how rested they feel upon waking?
Troxel also highlights the role of the neurohormone oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” which is released during physical closeness and affectionate touch. Oxytocin has both anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects, which may help explain why co-sleeping can feel more relaxing, even if it results in more frequent awakenings.
In this sense, minor disruptions in sleep may actually enhance restfulness by promoting emotional reassurance and hormonal balance. The comforting presence of a partner could trigger bursts of oxytocin that help calm the nervous system and ease the body back into sleep.
Interestingly, conditions such as hypersomnia—characterized by excessive or overly deep sleep—challenge our assumptions about what counts as “good” sleep. From a purely quantitative standpoint, someone with hypersomnia might appear to rest well, given their prolonged and uninterrupted sleep. Yet in reality, these individuals often wake up groggy, disoriented, and far from refreshed. This contradiction underscores a key insight: sleep quality cannot be defined by data alone. Emotional, hormonal, and relational factors play a crucial role in shaping how restorative our rest feels.
For couples, finding that delicate balance between closeness and comfort can be tricky—especially when differing body temperatures or night sweats interrupt rest. This is where Wicked Sheets makes a meaningful difference. Designed with moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, Wicked Sheets help regulate temperature and reduce discomfort caused by heat or humidity, making it easier for partners to enjoy quality rest together. By creating a cooler, more balanced sleep environment, Wicked Sheets support not just physical comfort but also the emotional and hormonal benefits of co-sleeping—allowing both partners to experience the best of connection and rejuvenation.
The science of co-sleeping reminds us that sleep is not merely a biological process but also a social and emotional one. While scientific measurements offer valuable insights, our subjective experience—rooted in connection, comfort, and love—may be just as important. As Troxel’s work suggests, perhaps the true measure of good sleep lies not only in how soundly we rest, but also in who we rest beside.
