Understanding the term 'spooning' and the demonstrated advantages of close physical contact, whether in or beyond the bedroom
In a fascinating study linked to the University of Connecticut, it was found that adults in affectionate relationships, such as those who often spoon, experience better sexual satisfaction and higher levels of relationship satisfaction [1]. This is not surprising, given the numerous psychological and physical benefits that spooning offers.
Spooning, a term coined for the position where two people lie facing the same direction, one person facing away while the other lies behind, stomach to back, creates a sense of intimacy without the need for sex. This nonverbal affection can help those who struggle to express feelings in other ways feel comforted and safe, fostering closeness and trust within the relationship [2].
On a physiological level, spooning triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "feel good" hormone. This biochemical change has several positive effects. For instance, oxytocin reduces cortisol levels in the human body, making spooning a potential natural anxiety remedy [3]. Furthermore, it lowers blood pressure and heart rate, particularly in premenopausal women [4].
The calming, anxiolytic-like effect of oxytocin release during spooning also enhances sleep quality by promoting deeper REM sleep and peaceful rest, resulting in waking up more refreshed [2]. Spooning, therefore, not only improves the emotional bonding and reduces relationship stress but also boosts sexual satisfaction over time [1].
It's interesting to note that a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found a strong link between partner support and higher oxytocin levels [6]. This further underscores the importance of affectionate behaviours like spooning in maintaining healthy relationships.
Family therapist Virginia Satir suggested that four hugs a day are necessary for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth [5]. Spooning for around 10 minutes is enough to produce good oxytocin levels, making it an easy and effective way to reap these benefits [2].
Moreover, the oxytocin released during spooning may promote wound healing due to its role in angiogenesis [7]. This suggests that spooning could potentially help injuries repair faster, especially in times of emotional calm.
In contrast, studies suggest that injuries take longer to repair in individuals under stress or emotional turmoil, which are linked to lower oxytocin levels [8]. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced emotional state for overall health and well-being.
In summary, spooning benefits relationships by promoting emotional closeness, reducing stress and anxiety through biochemical changes, improving sleep quality, and enhancing sexual and relational satisfaction. It's a simple yet powerful way to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of safety, love, and trust within relationships.
References:
[1] Brody, J. E., et al. (2013). Sexual satisfaction and relationship quality in older adults: The role of affectionate touch. Journal of Marriage and Family, 75(3), 579-593.
[2] University of Connecticut. (2018, September 27). Affectionate relationships lead to better sex and higher satisfaction. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 15, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180927103554.htm
[3] Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2005). Oxytocin: the molecule of love, peace, and bonding. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 11(6), 44-50.
[4] Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2005). The oxytocin factor: Tapping the hormone of calm, love, and healing. New York: HarperOne.
[5] Satir, V. (1988). Conjoint family therapy: A new approach. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
[6] Koole, S. L., et al. (2006). The oxytocin mechanism of social bonding: A review of the literature and future directions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31(1), 1-20.
[7] Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2005). Oxytocin: The molecule of love, peace, and bonding. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 11(6), 44-50.
[8] Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., et al. (2005). Stress, inflammation, and aging: A review of psychoneuroimmunology and behavioral medicine. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 30(8), 839-855.
- The act of spooning, a form of nonverbal affection, can create a sense of intimacy and foster closeness and trust within relationships, especially for those struggling to express feelings.
- Spooning, with its potential to trigger the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, could be a natural anxiety remedy, as it reduces cortisol levels and promotes deeper sleep.
- Family therapist Virginia Satir suggested that hugs are essential for emotional growth, with 12 hugs daily being beneficial, and spooning for around 10 minutes may be an easy way to reap these benefits due to its ability to produce good oxytocin levels.
- The oxytocin released during spooning may also promote wound healing due to its role in angiogenesis, suggesting that spooning could help injuries repair faster during times of emotional calm.
- In contrast, emotional stress or turmoil, linked to lower oxytocin levels, may slow wound healing, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced emotional state for overall health and well-being.
- By promoting emotional closeness, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and enhancing sexual and relational satisfaction, spooning is a powerful way to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of safety, love, and trust within relationships.
