Why do I get sleepy around my girlfriend? In a recent study, researchers discovered that sleeping better with a partner is due to increased brain activity. The article breaks down what the study found, why it may happen, and what you can do.
What is Happening When you Fall Asleep?
When you fall asleep, your body is going through a natural process of repairing and rejuvenating itself. This process is known as sleep. During sleep, your body temperature drops, your breathing and heart rate slow down, and your muscles relax. Your brain also goes through a cleansing process during sleep, getting rid of toxins that can build up during the day.
Why Do I Get Sleepy Around My Girlfriend?
There are many reasons why you might sleep better with someone you love. One reason is that you feel safe and secure with them. You may also feel more relaxed and comfortable with them than you do when you’re alone. Additionally, physical contact can help to release tension and promote feelings of calmness.
Negligible Impact of Partner Presence on Sleep Duration, Quality
Though it’s often said that couples who sleep together wake up feeling more rested, a new study suggests that the presence of a bed partner has no impact on how long or well people sleep. The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, contradict the popular belief that couples synchronize their sleep patterns.
For the study, researchers recruited 96 heterosexual couples who had been together for an average of six years. The participants were asked to complete two overnight lab sessions in which they were monitored for brain activity, eye movements, and muscle activity. They were also asked to rate their sleep quality when they woke up.
The results showed that there was no difference in sleep duration or quality between the nights when participants slept alone and the nights when they slept with their partners. The only exception was that women slept better on nights when they had their partner present.
Though the findings suggest that couples don’t necessarily share the same sleep patterns, it’s important to note that the study only looked at one night of sleep. It’s possible that sleeping with a partner on a regular basis could have different effects over time.
The Science Behind Falling Asleep with a Partner
The science of falling asleep with a partner is pretty simple: it’s all about oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the cuddle hormone because it’s released when people hug, touch, or sit close to someone else consensually. It’s also released during sex and childbirth, which are both bonding experiences. Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and promote healing. All of these effects make it easier to fall asleep.
So why do I get sleepy around my girlfriend? Because oxytocin is also released when you’re feeling happy and content. When you’re with someone you care about, your brain releases oxytocin in response to the pleasant emotions you’re experiencing. This oxytocin rush makes you feel good, relaxed, and sleepy. So if you’re snuggling with your partner before bed and suddenly feel the urge to take a nap, it’s probably because of all that oxytocin flowing through your system!
Conclusion
There’s no denying that when you’re around someone you love, you tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable. And this sense of comfort can lead to drowsiness or sleepiness. So why do I get sleepy around my girlfriend? It could be due to the release of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the love hormone. Oxytocin promotes feelings of relaxation and bonding, both of which can make you sleepy. So if you find yourself getting drowsy when snuggling up with your partner, it’s probably because your brain is releasing oxytocin in response to the closeness and intimacy.
