8 Surprising Health Benefits of Cuddling

1. Cuddling improves sleep

Close to 22 million Americans (2) struggle with sleep apnea. With this condition, breathing starts and stops throughout the night making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. Studies have shown (3) that administering oxytocin can improve the quality and amount of sleep, as well as improve cardiorespiratory homeostasis. More research needs to be done to fully understand the exact role oxytocin plays helping sleep apnea. But it’s definitely a good excuse to cuddle up before catching some Zzs!

2. Physical touch can curb cravings and halt weight gain

This may be one of the more unexpected benefits of cuddling. Hormone imbalances and many underlying factors play a role in weight gain and the inability to lose weight. However, when it comes to the psychological side of eating and binge eating, oxytocin is powerful in reducing the desire (4) to eat for pleasure. In fact, it can increase the feeling of being satiated which will limit the need for reward-based eating.

3. Oxytocin eases chronic pain

Low oxytocin levels have been found in people dealing with chronic pain. One study looked at children with recurring stomach pain and compared them to children without stomach pain and found that those with pain had lower oxytocin levels. Studies have shown (5) that oxytocin was able to lower pain in people with cancer, back pain, and IBS.

4. Cuddling strengthens immunity

Around 75 percent of your immune system is located in your gut. Your gut and brain are inextricably linked through the gut-brain axis. Ever wondered what was behind that feeling of butterflies in your stomach? Look no further than oxytocin – just one more example of how your gut really is your “second brain.” Your T-regulatory cells, which are responsible (6) for keeping your immune system balanced, are boosted (7) when there is an increase in oxytocin.

5. Cuddling lowers inflammation

In functional medicine, chronic inflammation is one of the main things we look for when assessing a person’s health, making this one of the most important cuddling benefits. Besides just boosting inflammation-fighting T-regulatory cells, oxytocin also works to lower inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6.

6. Physical touch reduces anxiety

No one can argue that cuddling is a peaceful activity, but does cuddling reduce stress? Now, science is showing (8) oxytocin’s ability to lower anxiety, even in severe anxiety disorders and generalized anxiety disorders. Hold your sweetie’s hand to calm your nerves next time you are feeling anxious.

7. Oxytocin reduces heart disease risk

Stress, anxiety, chronic inflammation, and high blood pressure – all risk factors for heart disease – are lowered when your body releases oxytocin. So, in honor of your health, cuddle away!

8. Cuddling strengthens relationships

Does cuddling make you fall in love? As I said earlier, oxytocin is also known as the “love” hormone for its ability to increase bonding in romantic partners and all other relationships as well! Oxytocin is a hormone closely associated with childbirth. During labor, your body releases oxytocin to help your uterus contract and help ready itself for childbirth. Afterwards, it helps strengthen the mother and child bond.

So is it healthy to cuddle? Absolutely! By understanding the benefits of physical touch and how oxytocin is released in the body, it serves as a reminder that health is not a journey one takes alone. Wellness is about taking time to care for ourselves, our community, and our planet.

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