If for some reason you haven't been cuddling with your partner after sex, you probably didn't realize that post-sex intimacy is just as important for many people as foreplay. Whether you struggle with intimacy issues or not, a little thing called spooning doesn't take much effort at all, and can actually reap some benefits for you and your partner. Sometimes some of us just want to be held, ya know? Spooning refers to lying on your side with a partner or more! People have been spooning for centuries, as evident from historic artwork depicting erotic embraces and positions between same-sex and heterosexual couples. So what are the benefits of spooning? And is there a right way to spoon someone? There are some instinctive elements at play as to why spooning tends to trigger such strong emotions. When you spoon with a partner, you'll notice your breath begin to slow, deepen, and sync, according to Pam Costa , sex coach and founder of Down To There, a resource for people who seek to cultivate better sex and relationships.
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And what are some other options for couples looking for a nighttime bonding session? Oxytocin , affectionately known as the cuddle chemical or love hormone, is said to release when two people spoon. So is dopamine and serotonin. The hormone oxytocin can promote bonding and is associated with a number of other benefits , including pain and stress relief. Dopamine, meanwhile, appears through rewarding actions. And serotonin can help regulate everything from mood to appetite and sleep. If you have a hard time sleeping, some research suggests that oxytocin may play a beneficial role — especially for those with conditions like sleep apnea. Spooning is said to help the nervous system relax and reduce blood pressure, allowing people to feel calm. Sounds obvious, but lying close to a partner can enhance the bond — both physical and emotional — between you.
What are the benefits of spooning?
Below, read the benefits of the sex position according to those who love it. As you rock your body and roll around in the sheets , rather than focusing on orgasm, take time to notice:. Spooning sex might feel less accessible for bigger bodied folks. But according to Carly S. And according to Carly S.
Spooning gets a bad rap for being the go-to sex position of the hungover or lazy. But hear me out: Some of the hottest sex you'll ever have can happen in this cozy setup. For one, the skin-to-skin contact is unparalleled: You're literally attached from the neck down to your feet. And last but not least: Because of the physical closeness, there are so many opportunities for extra sensation, says Janet Brito , PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii.
