Men sleep better next to women, scientists find
Researchers have discovered that men experience longer phases of deep and REM sleep and fewer awakenings when sleeping next to women. This effect is linked to increased oxytocin levels and decreased cortisol, which calms the nervous system and stabilizes breathing and heart rate. As a result, men recover more effectively when sharing a bed with their partner than when sleeping alone.
The rise in oxytocin and drop in stress hormone cortisol promote deeper and higher-quality sleep for men. However, this benefit appears to be exclusive to men, as women more often suffer from disrupted sleep—such as due to partner snoring.
Therefore, sharing a bed can play a significant role in men’s restorative sleep by exerting a calming influence on the body. At the same time, factors disturbing women’s sleep should be addressed to improve their rest quality.
