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. 2019 Oct;28(5):e12825.
doi: 10.1111/jsr.12825. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

The role of couple sleep concordance in sleep quality: Attachment as a moderator of associations

Taylor Elsey  1 , Peggy S Keller  1 , Mona El-Sheikh  2
Affiliations

The role of couple sleep concordance in sleep quality: Attachment as a moderator of associations

Taylor Elsey et al. J Sleep Res. 2019 Oct.

Abstract

Despite most American adults sharing a bed with a romantic partner, sleep research has examined sleep primarily as an individual behaviour. A growing body of research indicates that couple bed sharing may have an impact on sleep quality, but the current study is the first to examine whether such associations may differ based on attachment security. A sample of 179 cohabiting heterosexual couples completed daily sleep diaries and surveys of their attachment security, avoidance and anxiety. Data were analysed using multilevel modelling. Greater attachment security and lower attachment avoidance were associated with greater subjective sleep quality. Greater sleep concordance (time in bed with partners) was associated with better subjective sleep quality for women with lower attachment security and higher attachment avoidance. Findings suggest that couple bed sharing may benefit the subjective sleep quality of women who have lower attachment security.

Keywords: bed sharing; co-sleeping; romantic relationships; sex differences; vigilance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Female Interactions with Secure Attachment and Sleep Concordance
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Female Interactions with Avoidant Attachment and Sleep Concordance
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