Could a few moments of cuddling before bed actually make your relationship stronger and your heart calmer? According to new research from Auburn University, couples who snuggle up before sleep are reaping real health and emotional benefits.

The study, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, examined 143 heterosexual couples who share a bed. It found that physical closeness at sleep onset—when couples first lie down for the night—was linked to lower stress levels and more secure emotional attachment.

Study co-author Dr. Josh Novak explained that being physically close before falling asleep can be a way to build trust and reduce emotional distance. “The more physically close position couples are in, the more feelings of ‘relational safety’ were present due to lower stress,” Novak said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

He added, “Non-sexual physical affection has generally been deemed ‘critical’ for relationships, but there seems to be more emotional and relational benefit when there’s full-body contact.”

In fact, Novak believes cuddling could even help repair relationships after a hard day. “Although research needs to substantiate this further, it might also imply that, in the face of conflict during the day that is not solved or repaired … cuddling might be a way to start that process and move toward repair.”

The study also showed that cuddling doesn’t have to last all night to be effective. Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, who was not involved in the study, commented on this finding, saying, “This suggests that it’s the moments spent together before falling asleep — not necessarily sharing the entire night — that have the greatest positive effect on a relationship.”

She explained that the simple act of cuddling triggers “powerful psychological and physiological responses, such as increased emotional security and the release of oxytocin — the ‘bonding hormone’ associated with intimacy.”

That hormone release may explain why even a brief moment of touch before sleep can calm anxiety, lower stress, and build emotional connection.

“Whether you and your partner sleep together or apart, don’t skip the cuddle before bed,” Troxel advised. “Even brief moments of closeness can enhance your relationship and overall well-being.”

The study noted that couples cuddle in different ways. While 36 percent said they don’t touch at all at night, others reported sleeping back to back (19.6 percent), touching an arm or leg (23.1 percent), spooning (13.3 percent), or even face to face (3.5 percent).

Novak admitted that researchers didn’t measure how long couples stayed in those cuddling positions, saying, “What happens most often is that cuddling only happens for a bit until both partners fall asleep.” But that’s okay. It’s those first few minutes of physical closeness that seem to matter most.

God created us for connection—and physical touch is one way to reflect His love in our relationships. Cuddling before sleep isn’t just sweet; it can be a way to nurture peace, comfort, and unity in marriage.

As Dr. Novak said, “Sleep and relationship functioning are bidirectional and cyclical — meaning that bad sleep can negatively impact your relationship, and difficult relationship dynamics can lead to worse sleep.”

So tonight, don’t underestimate the power of a hug before bed. It might be just the reset your heart—and your marriage—needs.