Brits Are Sleeping Apart
The research also shows that the goodnight kiss is all but extinct and saying ‘I love you’ to your partner before you go to sleep is on the sharp decline.
The study was conducted by Travelodge to find out more about the nations sleeping habits, and it isn’t good news!
A shocking 90 per cent of couples don’t tell their partner they love them before going to sleep and a further 46 per cent don’t even face their partner when sleeping and would rather keep their backs turned.
Sadly, a quarter a lovers say that they can’t bare their partner touching them when they’re asleep, so that throws a goodnight cuddle right out the window.
The study was conducted with relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet, who said that the way a couple sleeps says a lot about them.
She says that body language is impossible to fake during sleep, leaving you to show your vulnerable and honest side when sleeping.
Corrine Sweet explained the reasoning behind the results of the study, “Inevitably, once the first flush of lust wears off, with couples naked and entwined, it is more likely that the need for a good night's sleep predominates, so sleeping back to back becomes a favourable position in bed."
Corrine gave a list of some of the most popular sleeping positions for Brits and what they mean!
Liberty - Back to back but not touching (28%)
This couple feel connected whilst independent enough to sleep separately. They are used to each other and accept each other’s sleeping habits.
Cherish - Back to back but touching (18%)
This couple are comfortable, intimate and relaxed with each other. A popular position in a new relationship.
Spoons - Male spoons with the female on the inside (13%)
This is a traditional position, in which the male takes the lead and protects his lover. Couples sleep side-by-side each curled up with each other in the foetal position. Traditional spooning is the most common position adopted by couples during the first few years of their relationship or marriage. It shows both a strong sexuality and feeling of security in the relationship.
Pillow talk - Face to face (7%)
This position represents an intimate need for one-to-one contact and conversation in bed.
Lovers Knot - Face to face, legs intertwined for 10 minutes then couples separate to sleep (8%)
This position demonstrates a loving independence, it’s a sign of intimacy, love and sexual activity - even though the couple separate and sleep apart.
Spoons Female - Spoons with the female on the outside (5%)
In this position the female takes the lead and protects her man while he is sleeping.
The Lovers - Face to face with legs intertwined all night (4%)
This is love’s young dream position where you cannot bear to be separated as each moment together counts. A position for the born romantics.
The Romantic - Woman lying with head and arm on man’s chest (1%)
This is the popular Hollywood movie bed scene position. An intimate pose much favoured in a new relationship or after love making. It represents new / rekindled love.
Superwoman - Woman lying in star fish position with man hanging off the bed (1%)
The woman rules the bed in this position, she likes her space and the man takes a secondary role and lets her take it.
Superman - Man lying in star fish position with woman hanging off the bed (1%)
In this position the male is king of the bed, he likes to have his way and the female is happy to oblige.
Although most Brits are choosing the Liberty position in sleep, most men have said that their sex lives are much better if they cuddle up to their wives or girlfriends in the night.
A huge 67 per cent said it improved their sex life and 34 per cent went so far as to say that it annoyed them if their partner didn’t want to cuddle up to them. In comparison, only 26 per cent of women felt the same.
Due to this lack of cuddling, which is clearly leading to lack of passion in the bedroom, Corrine has given some tips to get us Brits cuddling again!
• Say “I loved it when you slept with your arms around me and I noticed you haven’t been doing that. What can we do to feel closer again?”
• Start cuddling and holding hands before falling asleep. Holding hands shows deep caring
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman, said, “The Travelodge sleep behaviour study has revealed a lot about our relationships. It’s interesting to see that as a nation we’re not snuggling up, and in some cases, choosing to sleep in separate beds.
“It’s sad to see that we’re no longer saying I love you. As a nation I think it’s a time we start puckering up and bring back the traditional bedtime kiss before nodding off.”
How do you sleep with your partner? Do you find it better sleeping in the same bed or would different beds be better?
Let us know your thoughts on this issue by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
Cara Mason