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Sleep & RecoveryHumans Evolved to Share Beds – How Your Sleeping Companions Affect You

Humans Evolved to Share Beds – How Your Sleeping Companions Affect You

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Co-Sleeping: How Our Sleeping Companions Impact Us

Recent research on animal sleep behavior has revealed that sleep is influenced by the animals around them. For instance, olive baboons sleep less as group sizes increase, while mice can synchronize their rapid eye movement (REM) cycles.

In Western society, many people expect to sleep alone, if not with a romantic partner. However, as with other group-living animals, human co-sleeping is common, despite some cultural and age-related variation. In many cultures, bedsharing with a relative is considered typical.

Infant Co-Sleeping

Apart from Western countries, caregiver-infant co-sleeping is common, with rates as high as 60-100% in parts of South America, Asia, and Africa. However, infant co-sleeping is controversial. Some Western perspectives, valuing self-reliance, argue that sleeping alone promotes self-soothing when the baby wakes in the night. Evolutionary scientists argue that co-sleeping has been important to help keep infants warm and safe throughout human existence.

Childhood Co-Sleeping

Childhood co-sleeping past infancy is also fairly common, according to worldwide surveys. A 2010 survey of over 7,000 UK families found 6% of children were constant bedsharers up to at least four years old. Some families adopt co-sleeping in response to their child having trouble sleeping, but child-parent bedsharing in many countries, including some Western countries, is viewed culturally as part of a nurturing environment.

Adults Sharing Beds

According to a 2018 survey from the US National Sleep Foundation, 80-89% of adults who live with their significant other share a bed with them. Adult bedsharing has shifted over time from pre-industrial communal arrangements, including whole families and other household guests, to solo sleeping in response to hygiene concerns as germ theory became accepted.

Benefits and Downsides of Co-Sleeping

The benefits and downsides of co-sleeping may differ in children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, mental health disorders, and chronic illnesses. These children may experience heightened anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and physical discomfort that make falling and staying asleep difficult. For them, co-sleeping can provide reassurance.

Conclusion

Co-sleeping doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. But remember that Western norms aren’t necessarily the ones we have evolved with. So, consider factors such as sleep disorders, health, and age in your decision to co-sleep, rather than what everyone else is doing.

FAQs

Q: Is co-sleeping better for sleep quality?
A: Research suggests that co-sleeping can lead to longer sleep times and a feeling of better sleep overall.

Q: Is co-sleeping suitable for children?
A: Co-sleeping is common in many parts of the world, and it can be beneficial for children’s emotional and mental health.

Q: Is co-sleeping only for romantic partners?
A: No, co-sleeping can refer to shared sleeping arrangements for family members, siblings, or even pets.

Q: Are there any risks associated with co-sleeping?
A: Yes, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and potential disruptions to adult sleep quality.

Q: Can co-sleeping affect my sleep quality?
A: Yes, research suggests that co-sleeping with a partner can lead to getting into sync with each other’s sleep stages, which can be beneficial for sleep quality. However, some individuals, particularly women, may struggle with sleep disruptions due to their partner’s movements.

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