ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE CUDDLING

Sex has its perks, and a new study published in the journal Sexual Medicine reveals that cuddling may have more! In the study of 6,879 adults with an average age of 65, the researchers found that any type of intimate activity, including close touch, was associated with both physical and psychological benefits, improving overall quality of life. But older women who reported a higher frequency of kissing and touching also reported higher levels of life enjoyment and emotional closeness, whether they were having sex or not. More good news: Subjects who spent time cuddling also enjoyed sex more than those who didn’t cuddle!

Cuddling is a form of physical intimacy that involves hugging, snuggling, and touching another person in a non-sexual way. It’s something that many people enjoy, and it’s not hard to see why. Cuddling is a great way to feel close to another person, and it has been shown to have a number of physical and psychological benefits.

One of the reasons that cuddling is so beneficial is that it releases a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” because it is released when people touch, hug, or cuddle. This hormone is known to promote feelings of love, trust, and connection, and it has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body.

For example, oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function. It can also promote feelings of relaxation and contentment, which can improve overall quality of life. In fact, one study found that people who received a hug from their partner before a stressful task had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t receive a hug.

Cuddling can also help to promote better sleep. This is because it can help to regulate the body’s levels of cortisol and melatonin, which are hormones that play a role in sleep. When cortisol levels are high, it can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. But when cortisol levels are low and melatonin levels are high, it’s easier to get a good night’s sleep. Cuddling can help to promote this balance of hormones, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Another benefit of cuddling is that it can improve emotional closeness and intimacy in a relationship. When couples cuddle, they are physically close to each other, which can help to promote feelings of emotional closeness as well. This can improve overall relationship satisfaction and lead to a stronger, more intimate bond between partners.

In addition to these benefits, cuddling has also been shown to have a number of other positive effects on the body. For example, it can boost the immune system, reduce pain levels, and even improve digestion. It can also release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help to promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

Overall, there are many reasons to love cuddling. Whether you’re cuddling with a partner, a friend, or a pet, it can have a number of physical and psychological benefits. So the next time you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just in need of a little extra love and affection, consider snuggling up with someone you care about. Your body and mind will thank you for it!