If you've ever wondered what the Popsugar group chat sounds like, I'll let you in on our latest topic of discussion: the superiority of couch sleeping.
"Falling asleep on the couch feels like when your parents would let you stay up past your bedtime: like a special kind of rebellious treat that feels good in the moment, but you may regret in the morning." — Alexis Jones, health and fitness lead
"As someone who has never been a great sleeper, I reach a level of comfort when falling asleep on the couch that I rarely experience in bed. I have no idea why — maybe because it's less pressure." — Jessica Harrington, beauty section lead
"I am obsessed with a couch nap! I think it's because it's a cozy place where I normally watch TV, so that plus the TV sound in the background immediately lets me drift off. I think couches in general tend to be comfier than beds (less stiff) so you can cozy up with a bunch of blankets." — Taylor Andrews, senior balance editor
So . . . is there any science behind the superiority of couch sleeping, or is it all in our heads? According to Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, board-certified physician and certified clinical sleep specialist, people often fall asleep more easily or feel more refreshed on the couch for a few psychological and physiological reasons:
On the couch, there's generally no pressure to sleep. You're there to relax, not "perform" the act of sleeping, and that reduced expectation can lower stress and let natural sleepiness take over more easily.
The couch also creates a cozy, contained environment that naturally cues relaxation. In addition, the mere act of consistently falling asleep on the couch causes your brain to connect the couch with sleep instead of your bed. This can train your brain to feel "safe" to fall asleep on the couch but feel stimulated or alert when trying to fall asleep in bed, affecting your sleep quality.
Makes sense, right? But that doesn't mean you should do it often. "Couch sleeping can feel great in the moment, but your bed is still the best place for consistent, restorative sleep," says Dr. Holliday-Bell.
Keep reading for editor tips and expert recommendations for zzz's you can count on.
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