Intimacy and co-sleeping: It is possible!

Introduction Many fear that a family bed will lead to less intimacy in the relationship. But is this really true? Based on several studies, we can see that intimacy does not necessarily have to be compromised when sharing a bed with children. Communication is Key First and foremost, open and honest communication is important. Couples need to talk about their needs and desires, and find solutions together. This could mean planning time for each other when the children are asleep or finding other places to be intimate (Troxel et al., 2007). Creativity and Flexibility Be creative and flexible with time and place. Intimacy doesn’t always have to happen in bed. There are many other places in the home where you can be together, and it can actually add an exciting dimension to the relationship (Hislop, 2007). Benefits of Co-Sleeping Studies show that co-sleeping can improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels, which can promote intimacy between partners (Drews et al., 2020). At the same time, it can strengthen the feeling of togetherness and support in the relationship. Lower Your Expectations It is also important to lower expectations and understand that intimacy can take many forms. Small gestures of love and closeness can be just as meaningful as sexual acts (van Lankveld et al., 2018). Conclusion A family bed does not have to mean the end of intimacy in a relationship. By communicating openly, being creative and lowering expectations, couples can find new ways to maintain their connection. Read more about Maj Wisman’s advice and insights at Samsovning.dk.