Sleeping Like A Baby : Why More Adults Are Sleeping Soundly With Stuffed Animals And Blankets

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It sure feels like heaven, right? Snuggling under a thick blanket while hugging a soft toy makes falling asleep feel effortless. There's something incredibly soothing about that cosy combination that can wash away the day's stress. But have you ever wondered why adults, just like kids, love to cuddle these plush companions at bedtime? Let's uncover this mystery together!

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Why Stuffed Toys?

For Emotional Support

Sleeping with stuffed animals, whether they're cherished childhood items or new plushies, brings comfort and emotional support to adults, helping create a more relaxed and secure bedtime experience.

Psychological Comfort

Beyond nostalgia, stuffed animals offer real psychological benefits. Cuddling them can release oxytocin, reducing stress and connecting adults to positive childhood memories, which supports emotional well-being.

Aids In Sleeping

Weighted stuffed animals have become popular sleep aids, enhancing calm and improving sleep quality through the release of serotonin and dopamine, making them effective tools for restful nights.

Why Blankets?

Blankets have become a popular go-to for better sleep, offering a calming, cosy feel that helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation. The evenly distributed weight, usually from small beads or pellets, provides gentle pressure to stimulate serotonin and dopamine, helping you feel more at ease.

Weighted blankets are especially beneficial for those with sensory challenges, anxiety, or insomnia, though they can also simply enhance a comfy sleep environment. Just be sure to pick a size that fits your body, not your bed, and consider ease of cleaning if that's important. If you have any health concerns, it's a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before trying one out.

Survey and Study on Adult Comfort

A 2017 survey by OnePoll found that more than half of 2,000 American adults still have their childhood teddy bears, with many continuing to sleep with these comforting companions. These stuffed animals play a significant role in providing security and companionship, helping adults feel relaxed both at bedtime and during the day. Teddy bears evoke positive emotions and can encourage "prosocial" behaviour.

Snuggling with a childhood teddy can trigger feelings of safety, making it easier to fall asleep. Supporting this, a 2022 study in France highlighted that participants rated their own bears as more comforting than those of strangers, emphasising the importance of emotional bonds and personal history.

While unfamiliar bears can still be comforting if they look or feel nice, there's something uniquely soothing about a beloved teddy. So, if you're still cuddling your childhood bear, embrace it! It's a perfectly normal and healthy way to find comfort in adulthood.

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

For many adults, cuddling stuffed animals goes beyond just nostalgia; it's a comforting choice that supports emotional well-being. These cuddly companions help people fall asleep faster and create a sense of security, adding a whimsical touch to bedtime routines.

Mental health professionals recognize the value of these comfort objects, highlighting their role in promoting relaxation and emotional resilience. While it's perfectly normal to have an attachment to stuffed animals, it's important to ensure that this bond doesn't interfere with relationships or daily life. If you ever feel embarrassed about your affection for these plush friends, talking to a mental health professional or joining a supportive group can be helpful.

Ultimately, embracing what makes you feel safe and secure is key to prioritising your mental health, so go ahead and snuggle up with your favourite stuffed animal!