The Science of Sleeping in Your Own Bed
There’s something about sleeping in your own bed. Maybe it’s the familiar sheets, the perfect number of pillows, or the sense of security. But it turns out, there’s a science to it, specifically, why it can be so tricky to sleep somewhere besides your bed.
We are all about helping you to sleep your best every night, no matter where you are. Let’s dive into the science of sleeping in your bed, and if you must sleep in a new place, how to do that with ease.
There is a name for the trouble sleeping away from home: The first night effect (FNE). This phenomenon is studied by experts and has concluded the inability to fall asleep in a strange place is because half of your brain is still on high alert.
A 2016 study examined the FNE by measuring the brain activity during deep sleep of 35 young, healthy participants. It was found that the brain did something unique in the first night of sleep. The left hemisphere of the brain remained on “surveillance mode.” That means it was alert during sleep, while the other half of the brain wasn’t.
This study showed FNE happens to protect us during sleep in unfamiliar surroundings. This same phenomenon is found in animals and dates back to the time humans were sleeping in dangerous places.
Thankfully, this was only found in the first night, and the second night in the new place had less of an effect.
Now that we know there’s been a long-term understanding of the FNE, let’s talk about why sleeping in your bed is so magical.
We’re going to take a scientific angle here, but there are plenty of other reasons you may love your bed — for instance, your favorite comforter, your sleepy nighttime routine, your perfectly firm pillows, or black-out curtains.
But what does science say? There are a few reasons we crave our crave and sleep so well in our bed.
You’re Next to Your Loving Partner
Aside from their obnoxious snoring and blanket hogging habit, it’s comforting to have your loved one beside you in bed. Instead of the brain feeling vulnerable and stays away to claim look-out, it’s free to deep sleep with a sense of security.
Secondly, studies have linked quality sleep with having a loving partner in general. Not only is their presence helping you sleep better, but the happiness and stress-free nature of the relationship allows for it just as much. Scientists conclude a happy relationship usually won’t cause stress, anxiety, or depression, leading to inadequate sleep.
You’re Following the “Rules”
Sleeping in your bed can also be an incredible feeling to those of us following the “rules” for good sleep. Not only that comforter or pillow, but practices experts share as hacks for your best sleep.
We’ve talked about them before, but here are some of the keys to unlocking amazing sleep:
- Consistent sleep schedule
- Stay away from bed until bedtime
- Wind-down sleep routine
- Refreshing wake-up routine
Science is telling you the formula for your best sleep, listen!
Sometimes we can’t avoid being away from our perfectly furnished bedroom and comfy sheets, and that’s ok. Consider bringing parts of your sleep routine with you to get your best sleep, even in a strange place. You can bring your Hatch to have your reading light and sunrise alarm, or your skincare for your nightly skin regime, or maybe it’s your favorite tea you drink. Your sleep depends on your brain and daily habits, when you’re displaced, it might be hard, but doing what you can to provide a restful place and familiar sleep routine will help you a ton!