If you're always sleepy around your partner, this is what it could mean (2024)

“Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that shows up when we feel happy, high self-esteem and a sense of well-being. When we have a good level of serotonin in our system, not only do we feel stable in our relationships but also in our emotions too. This is why a lack of serotonin is often linked to depression and low mood,” Tasha explains.

“Dopamine comes fromreward and pleasure, which we will definitely feel in the presence of someone we love. When we have all of these chemicals flowingthrough our body, we are on a wellbeing high which means our body has full permission from our mind to unwind and rest,” Tasha says – which could explain that snoozy feeling you get around your other half.

Deep breaths

For some, listening to their partner snore during the night is the death knell to a good kip, but others (like myself) may find their partner's gentle breathing rhythm can regulate their own inhales and exhales as they settle down to sleep, promoting a sense of calm.

“This can also link to the automatic nervous system (ANS),” says Tasha. “When we feel safe, our breath naturally becomes deeper and slower, reducing the alertness in our body and movingus into rest and digest mode.”

Read More

I’m a sleep specialist — here’s the bedtime habit I swear by for better rest

“We often think of falling asleep as turning off a light, but it’s more like going down a ramp.”

If you're always sleepy around your partner, this is what it could mean (1)

Sleepy scents

A study by the University of British Colombia found that a partner's scent can also send you into a slumber. It compared the impact of sleeping with a partner's T-shirt versus a clean t-shirt or one worn by a stranger – and found that participants who were exposed to their partner's scent overnight experienced better sleep quality, even when their partner was not physically present.

“Scent can play a big role in activating our brain and nervous system to feel safe and relaxed,” Tasha concurs. “We connect smells with memories and experiences. So if a scent reminds us of feeling safe, we willinstantlyrelax and our body will feel more regulated.”

Glimmers of hope

Scent memories can play into a wider phenomenon, known as glimmers. “Glimmers are sensory signals that tell our brains that we’re safe because they’re connected to previous positive experiences,” explains Tasha. “For example, smelling our partner’s perfume or cologne or listening to a song that we connect to our relationship can all bring us comfort, activating our parasympathetic nervous system,” she says.

When all of these chemicals and sensory signals collide, it can result in you feeling seriously sleepy around your partner – which, when you think about it, is actually kinda cute.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

Sign up to our newsletter for more daily content straight to your inbox.

If you're always sleepy around your partner, this is what it could mean (2024)

FAQs

If you're always sleepy around your partner, this is what it could mean? ›

“Feeling sleepy around your partner can be a great sign that you trust this person enough to fall asleep in their presence. If we think back to pre-historic times, our ancestors could only fall asleep in places and with people where they were safe and out of danger.

What does it mean when you get sleepy around your partner? ›

Behind the scenes, the chemicals in our body can take off when we're near our loved one. “Being with someone we love and trust, inspires the release of love-induced hormones that promote relaxation, wellbeing and sleep,” explains Tasha. “Oxytocin is the cuddle hormone.

Why do I always fall asleep when I'm with my partner? ›

Oxytocin is also thought to alleviate stress and promote calmness. As a result, this may translate to feeling more relaxed and even sleepy when you're with Your Person versus when you are alone. There's even research showing that sleep in general is better with a partner, which might play a factor.

What does it mean when your partner is always tired? ›

There can be underlying reasons why he's more cranky and tired than usual too. Dr Fiona says vitamin and mineral deficiencies – particularly iron and vitamin D – hypothyroidism, and sleep apnoea can all impact sleep and, in turn, elevate stress.

What does it mean when you get tired of your partner? ›

It isn't unusual for relationships to get boring from time to time. Sometimes it can be a sign that you need to take steps to reinvigorate the relationship, but at other times it can be a sign of something more serious. The key to addressing it is to open up a line of communication with your partner.

What does it mean to be chemically bonded to someone? ›

Chemicals in your brain create feelings of desire, pleasure and connection. Dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine help determine if you are initially attracted to someone. Oxytocin and other chemicals help form bonds and reshape your brain when you are in love.

Why do I feel so tired in my relationship? ›

An emotionally draining relationship typically refers to one that has become a source of stress or anxiety. In these relationships, negativity, resentment, and frustration may dominate the dynamic between you and your partner, which, over time, can result in emotional exhaustion.

Why do I feel so lazy around my partner? ›

Touching or being around your loved one releases the “love hormone” oxytocin, which promotes sleep and can make you feel drowsy. Being with your partner makes you feel safe and secure, both emotionally and physically. This makes you feel relaxed and makes it easier to fall asleep.

Why do I like sleeping with my partner so much? ›

Being physically close to the one you love means your brain will release oxytocin, the "love hormone" and serotonin, the "happy hormone." For men, sex can release a co*cktail of brain chemicals, including the hormone prolactin, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, and heart-healthy nitric oxide (NO).

Is it good to fall asleep with your partner? ›

Sharing a bed has many physical, mental, emotional, and relationship benefits. It can reduce stress, improve your mood, and promote healthy immunity.

Can your partner drain your energy? ›

Or maybe you're struggling to stay awake because every single one of your interactions with your partner has been an argument. In any case, if a relationship is causing you anxiety or other mental health issues, it's very possible for this to drain your physical body of its energy.

Why does my boyfriend always sleep around me? ›

Another interesting explanation behind you getting sleepy around your significant other is your chemistry bond. When you sleep next to someone you love, the body releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, making you even more sleepy.

Why is my wife so tired all the time? ›

Some possible causes are medical, such as menstruation and menopause. Others are nonmedical, such as poor sleep, stress, and not eating the right foods. It's easy to confuse “fatigue” with “tiredness.” The main difference is that tiredness improves with rest, but fatigue persists even after you rest.

Who gets bored in a relationship first? ›

Women Are The First To Feel Bored By Long-Term Exclusivity, Here's What You Can Do To Help. Despite social conditioning suggesting women were designed for it, they are the first to feel the tired monotony of monogamy. It's what experts call “limerence” – the initial period of a relationship when it's all new and hot.

What is ROCD? ›

What Is Relationship OCD? Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness that involves unwanted repeated thoughts (obsessions) and uncontrollable routines or repeated behaviors (compulsions) related to these thoughts.

Why does my partner make me feel so sleepy? ›

Touching or being around your loved one releases the “love hormone” oxytocin, which promotes sleep and can make you feel drowsy. Being with your partner makes you feel safe and secure, both emotionally and physically. This makes you feel relaxed and makes it easier to fall asleep.

Why do I sleep so well next to my partner? ›

Sleeping next to a partner also increases the production of oxytocin and estrogen in women and oxytocin in men. These two hormones promote relaxation, support an ideal body temperature, and help people get deeper, more restful sleep. Oxytocin is sometimes called the "Love Hormone".

Does sleeping next to someone you love make you fall asleep faster? ›

In fact, a research study with 778 participants found that the physical and sexual intimacy caused by sleeping next to a partner triggers the release of a hormone known as oxytocin. 5 The authors of the study note that oxytocin not only promotes better sleep, but it also reduces stress and promotes bonding.

Why does my boyfriend's voice make me sleep? ›

In conclusion, hearing the voice of a loved one can be comforting and soothing, which can contribute to feelings of sleepiness. It's a normal response of our body and mind, to associate things that makes us happy and safe with rest and relaxation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5437

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.