HomeFeaturesOn the Scene with Nadine › 'Tis the Season to Snuggle--Here's Why.
 
 
 

Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

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Craving a little TLC?  Well, turns out some quality cuddle time is good for your health! 

When I went to the fiancé’s house for the first time, I was taken aback by his king-size bed.  I instantly thought: why have a bed so big when we’ll snuggle all night long?  Well, my question was quickly answered when I discovered the fiancé likes his own sleep space, so I’ve now gotten used to staying on “my side” throughout the night.

However, I now have proof a twin size bed might not be such a bad idea—we’ll be forced to cuddle throughout the night…LOL.  According to Meghan Krein, our savvy Valley sex-pert, snuggling is good for your health.  (So there!)

Get this.  The Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine researched 38 healthy couples, ages 20-49, and came to the conclusion that cuddling is just as beneficial as swimming. See, the couples’ blood pressure, stress levels, and oxytocin levels were measured before and after they discussed a happy moment, watched five minutes of a romantic movie, and hugged for 20 seconds. The results were lower levels of cortisol and norepinephrine, and higher levels of oxytocin…in both genders.

“Cuddling gives us a sense of security and induces feelings of comfort and happiness, overall improving our emotional well-being. Feeling safe, comfortable, and intimate allows for open communication,” said Meghan Krein, Relationship Expert and Social Media Manager at Fascinations, our area’s premier adult shop.

Meghan Krein has over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in relationships and sex.  Because she’s just so passionate about passion, the Scottsdale lady is spending this holiday season reminding love-birds ‘tis the season to snuggle.

“Studies have shown that divorce is linked to increased mortality. This is thought to be attributed to the absence of sex, cuddling, and emotional attachment,” she said.

So get snuggling for a happily-ever-after!

Scientifically speaking, Krein  says affection reduces stress and blood pressure, allowing the body to release the feel-good hormone oxytocin.  It also produces cortisol, the stress hormone.

“Cortisol can do damage by suppressing the immune system, and it also aids in the metabolism of fats, carbs, and protein. Oxytocin is a human hormone associated with maternal love.”

Actually, Krein says the word oxytocin comes from a Greek derivative, meaning "swift birth;” that’s why it’s often called the “cuddle hormone.”  Go figure.

And snuggling with your sweetie also leads to sexual desire.  When you cozy up with your counterpart, you release endorphins—those satisfying chemicals released after exercise, sex, and eating sweets.  Turns out, the dynamic combination of oxytocin and endorphins allows your body to feel a sense of calm.    

Emotionally, snuggling is a form of non-verbal communication, offering your partner a silent assurance of love and devotion.  Studies show couples who used touch to comfort, compliment, and seduce are all-around happier.

And get this, Krein  says research from The Kinsey Institute have found men enjoy cuddling more than women!  But if you happen to be with a non-snuggler, we’re here to help.  Truth be told, cuddling doesn’t have to happen 24/7 or hours at a time; it can be a simple kiss on the forehead, stroke on the face, or hand-holding.  All these sweet touches are forms of affection.  So if you’re craving a little more TLC, Krein suggests touching your partner the way you want to be touched. People tend to reciprocate equally.

For more sex-related stuff, visit:  http://www.funlove.com/blog

rsz nadine

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