Aromas influence more than you might think—including your sleep. New findings from the University of British Columbia (UBC) show that your partner's natural scent can meaningfully enhance sleep quality.
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UBC researchers examined sleep patterns from 155 individuals in long-term relationships. Participants slept in two identical t-shirts over separate nights: one unused and one worn by their partner for 24 hours, then frozen to lock in the scent.
To capture genuine body odor, participants avoided deodorants, lotions, perfumes, exercise, and smoking during the 24-hour wear period. The test was blind—subjects didn't know which shirt they were using.
Sleep trackers monitored rest, supplemented by participant surveys. Those using their partner's worn shirt fell asleep faster, woke feeling more refreshed, and experienced less tossing and turning.
Lead researcher Marlise Hofer notes the benefits rival melatonin supplements for better sleep. This underscores how familiar scents may promote deeper, more restorative rest.
The team now plans to explore if parental scents similarly aid babies' sleep.
Source: HLN.be
