Snoring, sweating, pulling the covers… these are among the most common reasons why approximately one in four couples insist on sleeping in separate rooms. However, a new study finds health benefits of sharing a bed with a long-term partner. It is also identified as one of the reasons that people in close relationships are in better health and live longer. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in the US believe that sharing blankets helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, possibly because it promotes feelings of safety and security. Prolonged periods of elevated cortisol are associated with an increase in cytokines – proteins that lead to the risk of inflammation, which can cause cardiovascular disease, depression and autoimmune diseases. Co-sleeping has a protective effect by lowering the levels of these proteins, according to the results of the American study. Sleep is essential to our health, both physical and mental, explains lead researcher Wendy Troxel, a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. There is ample evidence that married people live longer, happier, and healthier lives than singles or people with failed marriages. Making love is one of the most reliable ways to produce oxytocin, the love hormone. Cuddling and sharing a bed also increase oxytocin levels. This happens provided the couple is happy, explains Dr. David Hamilton of the research team. NEWS_MORE_BOX How to sleep better together with your partner? One of the causes of disputes in the bedroom is the mattress. Men tend to prefer firm mattresses compared to women, explains physiotherapist Sammy Margo. The problem can be solved by buying a mattress in two parts – one half is harder, the other – softer. If sharing a common bed with your partner seems an unbearable thought, due to certain inconveniences, there is a solution. Sleep separately during the week, when good sleep quality is important, and sleep together on weekends, recommends sleep specialist Nerina Ramlakan. Room temperature is another common problem with bed sharing. The best sleep occurs when the brain is cooler than the body, says Ramlakan. One solution is to use separate single duvets of different thicknesses. If your partner snores, encourage them to seek a solution to the problem. If you are in the deeper stages of sleep when your partner joins the bed, their snoring is less likely to wake you.