210. People sleep better with a partner than alone
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Adults who sleep with a partner or spouse tend to sleep better than those who sleep alone. In a new study published in the journal Sleep, researchers at the University of Arizona collected data from over 1,000 adults. They found that people who slept next to their partner most nights reported less fatigue, less severe insomnia, and more time asleep than those who said they never share a bed with a partner. They fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer after falling asleep. Sleeping with a partner was linked to lower depression, anxiety, stress, and greater social support and satisfaction with life and relationships. On the other hand, adults who slept with their child most nights reported greater insomnia severity, experienced more stress, and had less control over their sleep.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
