Get Spooned! The Medical Benefits of Cuddling
There are two types of people in this world: those who love to snuggle up and those who do not.
It turns out that those who are more affectionate toward cuddle time are more likely to be healthier and less stressed.
This doesn't mean just spooning, either.
Hugging, holding hands, and kissing were all shown to have benefits like lowering blood pressure, regulating cortisol, and increasing oxytocin release in our bodies.
Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or the "feel-good hormone," has powerful healing properties in the body. According to the Harvard Medical School, Oxytocin "is a type of hormone in your body that promotes positive feelings."
It is best to release Oxytocin naturally, as studies have shown it is difficult for Oxytocin to pass through the blood-brain barrier (which protects the brain from harmful substances) in a pill form. Physical touch is one of the best ways to kickstart the cycle naturally.
Cuddling, kissing, sexual intercourse, and even hugging keep the positive feedback loop that releases Oxytocin going strong. It creates a snowball effect: The feelings of Oxytocin working in the body cause you to crave more of the action releasing the hormone in the first place.
The hormone has positive effects on your physical health as well as psychological and emotional well-being. If cortisol (the stress hormone) levels are high in your body, Oxytocin lowers and combats it, having an opposite, calming effect. In turn, this reduces your blood pressure, reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, according to Penn Medicine, "In a study of 59 women, those who hugged their partners more often had a lower resting blood pressure than the women who rarely engaged in physical touch."
Oxytocin levels are higher in women than men, likely because it is crucial in human birth and lactation. Oxytocin also plays a role in the mother-child bond, as it releases feelings of comfort, connection, and ease. Scientists are also looking into this hormone level difference to study how it affects social response, pair bonding, and even emotional regulation. In some cases, studies show that improper care and nurturing during childhood can impact your Oxytocin system, hindering your ability to properly produce and regulate Oxytocin naturally in the body. A lack of Oxytocin is most commonly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and an overall lack of happiness and comfort.
The stable regulation of Oxytocin in the body even leads to better and longer sleep throughout the night. According to Penn Medicine, Oxytocin can regulate sleep cycles, so if you sleep like a baby in your partner's arms, you can thank the Oxytocin release for that!
Basically, cuddling and physical touch are some of the best ways to feel better–physically and mentally–through natural means. Cuddling leads to healthier, happier people and relationships, so grab your partner and get to spooning! If you don't have one, cuddling a furry friend like a pet has also been shown to have similar effects. Whatever it is, find a way to kickstart your body's Oxytocin positive feedback loop and let your hormones work their magic.
Strike Out,
Haley Dockendorff
Boca Raton
Haley Dockendorff is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Loud and proud, this Virgo loves writing just about anything that will cause a bit of commotion. If you can't find her, she's probably somewhere on a beach with a camera in hand. You can reach her at haleydockendorff143@gmail.com
