Science: Cuddling is key to a committed and loving relationship (2024)

FAQs

What does science say about cuddling? ›

When we touch – cuddle, hug, or holding hands – our bodies release “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression.

In particular, oxytocin helps us bond with others, form memories, and, as Goerlich noted, feel “warm-fuzzy feelings.” So when the cuddles are romantic, the embrace can make us feel more infatuated, in love, or generally romantic toward our partner. In other words, “it bonds partners together,” says David Tzall.

Even just a few minutes of couple cuddling time supports oxytocin production, lifting your mood, lowering your stress levels, and promoting a sense of calm and contentment. This hormone can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Just the simple act of touch seems boost oxytocin release. Giving someone a massage, cuddling, making love, or giving someone a hug leads to higher levels of this hormone and a greater sense of well-being. Oxytocin is just one of the four feel-good hormones.

Men don't produce the same high levels of oxytocin as women do. But men tend to “mood match” their partners, so if their lady is feeling a rush of that good good, their oxytocin will spike. Hold a man close to you, and he will take in some of your hormonal happy rush.

Here's how it works: The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine. They flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger, Ho said.

"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.

Is cuddling a sign of love? Cuddling is typically a sign that a person is interested or has affection towards you, but it doesn't necessarily translate into love. Regarding how they feel about cuddling, some people believe may see it as incredibly intimate, while others enjoy cuddling even in platonic friendships.

Studies have shown that a lack of physical intimacy can give rise to feelings of neglect, loneliness, and emotional disconnection. The effects of lack of physical intimacy in a relationship can lead to a breakdown in communication and create an emotional distance between partners.

Cuddling releases oxytocin and promotes positive emotions. It's no surprise that affectionate touch behaviors release oxytocin, fondly known as the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is a natural love hormone that helps us feel closer to our partners.

What love hormone is cuddling? ›

As oxytocin is associated with trust, sexual arousal and relationship building, it's sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin levels also increase when you're hugging someone and when you're experiencing an org*sm.

Touch and other displays of affection trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to closeness and trust. This hormone promotes a feeling of togetherness and strengthens the bonds between people. Second, passionate cuddling can be beneficial to both physical and emotional health.

Yes, cuddling is a form of physical intimacy that involves close and affectionate physical contact between individuals. It fosters emotional connection, trust, and bonding, deepening the sense of intimacy between partners.

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates uterine contraction and milk ejection. While many people consider oxytocin to be a female hormone, it is reported that, in men, the plasma oxytocin level increases markedly after ejacul*tion.

According to love biologist Dawn Maslar, the chemicals dopamine and vasopressin are vital for a man to start falling in love, whereas it's oxytocin and dopamine for women. Oxytocin, often nicknamed the love or cuddle hormone, also plays an important role in men, but at a later stage.

One couples study found that simply holding hands for 10 minutes, followed by a 20-second hug, lowered blood pressure. Another study found that more frequent hugging can both lower blood pressure and increase oxytocin.

As oxytocin is associated with trust, sexual arousal and relationship building, it's sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin levels also increase when you're hugging someone and when you're experiencing an org*sm.

A hug lowers blood pressure. When you hug, touch, or sit close to someone you love, your body releases oxytocin, which scientists call the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone can help relax and lower anxiety, which in turn can effectively lower blood pressure. It boosts heart health.

As mentioned above, sleeping next to someone you love can create a strong bond between partners due to the release of oxytocin during cuddling and spooning in bed. Additionally, just being physically close to someone that you love at any point in the day can make you feel better.