A new study by Researcher from the University of Michigan, recently published, brings surprising findings about the effects of cosleeping on animals, including mice.
Research has shown that cuddling, known for its comfort and closeness, can affect sleep in complex ways, including both positive and disruptive effects.
Effects of cosleeping
Scientists observed the sleep behavior of mice and identified a behavior they called “somatolonging” an active search for sleep. Physical contact before and during sleep.
However, this desire for contact can disrupt the sleep of other people in the group.
Spooning can lead to sleep disorders Image: Getty Images/Reproduction
To better understand these dynamics, the researchers developed an apparatus that allowed mice to choose whether to sleep near a conspecific or alone.
The results showed that even under ideal temperature conditions, rodents left a comfortable place to ensure social contact while sleeping.
Sleep synchronization and disorders
Although shared sleep demonstrated synchronization on multiple neurophysiological measures, such as sleep and wake timing as well as REM and NREM sleep, reciprocal sleep disruption also occurred.
These disruptions can affect sleep quality, both in animals and humans.
The researchers emphasized that while there is synchronization between individuals who sleep together, particularly between male brothers, it is still not entirely clear what motivates individuals, human or animal, to choose situations that could disrupt sleep . sleep.
The results provide a new perspective on the motivation for physical contact during sleep and the plasticity of social behavior during this period, although the motivation behind these decisions remains to be further defined.
While cuddling and bedsharing can provide emotional comfort for both people AnimalsThe study emphasizes that there is a price to pay: sleep disruption, which can affect the quality and adequate rest of everyone involved.