Have you ever felt sleepy or drowsy around your partner and started wondering if you’re getting bored of them? Well you’re not the only one who’s felt that, especially, if your partner is a green flag! This may sound surprising, but there’s science behind it. Feeling relaxed and drowsy around a loved one is an interplay of hormones and the nervous system.
The intimacy in emotional security
Being with your partner is different from being in a history class. Feeling sleepy around them isn’t a sign of disinterest. Instead, it’s a sign of emotional security. Studies have confirmed how emotional state and sleep are intertwined. A study conducted by The Cambridge University confirmed that securely attached individuals reported better sleep quality. Better sleep ultimately resulted in better health outcomes.
What’s the science behind this sleepiness?
Humans are designed to have survival instincts when they are in a threatful environment. But these instincts don’t activate when we’re in a safe environment. The emotional safety experienced when we’re with someone we feel safe with, downshifts the nervous system to a relaxed state.
The intimacy in emotional security. Credits: Canva
The ‘love’ Hormone
Physical closeness in a safe environment increases oxytocin or what we call ‘The Love Hormone’. Oxytocin lowers stress hormones like cortisol and has proven to be linked to deeper sleep.
Rest, digest and sleep
Love with trust activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System. This simply means the body is responding with ‘rest and digest’ action. PNS and good sleep go hand-in-hand. When PNS activates, heart rate relaxes and the blood pressure lowers down. This prepares the body for a restful sleep.
Lesser ‘what ifs’
When we’re alone, our mind wanders into rumination. Pondering over stressful thoughts gives birth to anxietywhile companionship and support reduces it. The presence of a loving partner helps reduce the ‘what ifs’ and provide reassurance. This calm mental state allows natural drowsiness.
The intimacy in emotional security. Credits: Canva
What does this sleepy feeling speak about your health?
This sweet concept of love and good sleep isn’t just a sign of emotional closeness. This reaction has powerful effects on your health as well. A happier life leads to a healthier life. Safety and trust maintains the blood pressure and heart rate, eventually leading to better heart health. Safety and calm lowers the level of stress hormones. When stress hormones go down, our immunity gets a boost and the body gets better at fighting diseases. So, next time you wake up after a good sleep, don’t forget to thank your partner for the free health-therapy service!
