You might think it’s odd for a grown woman or man to cuddle a plush toy, but it’s more common than you might think. It turns out 40 percent of adults still sleep with a stuffed animal. So, if you’re one of those adults who shares your bed with a cuddly toy, rest assured, you are not alone. So, why is it OK for adults to sleep with stuffed animals? The answer lies in the benefits these soft companions provide, from improving sleep quality to relieving stress and even offering neurological benefits.
Better Sleep
Sleeping with a stuffed animal can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. Stuffed animals provide a sense of comfort and security, making it easier for you to relax and fall asleep. They also help establish a positive sleep association, signaling your brain that it’s time to sleep when you’re near your plush companion. This aspect can be especially beneficial for people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Relief From Stress and Anxiety
Stuffed animals can also act as powerful tools for stress and anxiety relief. Holding or hugging a stuffed animal can create a soothing effect, helping you relax and calm down. It’s a simple and effective way to bring comfort and reassurance, especially during times of high stress or anxiety.
Some childhood Habits that persist into adulthood aren’t so positive: thumb-sucking as a child can be the expression of the after-effects of trauma or simply a reaction to boredom or the need for comfort. But if the Habit isn’t broken in childhood, it can persist into adulthood. That’s a problem because when adults suck their thumbs in public, the reactions can be negative and harmful, even affecting social connections or job prospects.
It’s best to break the thumb-sucking Habit in childhood, and that can include substituting another form of comfort, such as hugging a stuffed animal. After all, it’s OK to hang on to your favorite stuffy as an adult!
Neurological Benefits
Beyond better sleep and stress relief, sleeping with stuffed animals can also offer significant neurological benefits. When you hug or cuddle a stuffed animal, your body may release oxytocin. Although this hormone is primarily associated with triggering contractions for childbirth, it also plays a key role in bonding, building trust, and generating romantic attachments.
It’s more than OK for adults to sleep with stuffed animals; it’s beneficial. Whether it’s for better sleep or stress relief, sleeping with a stuffed animal can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Next time you find yourself feeling sheepish about sharing your bed with a plush companion, remember that it’s not just a childhood comfort; it’s an accepted tool for well-being.
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