Miya Pearson
Sleeping with a stuffed animal is a common practice among adults, with up to 40% of adults admitting to still sleeping with a soft toy from their childhood. While it may seem childish, stuffed animals can provide comfort and security, helping to soothe stress and anxiety. They are often referred to as transitional objects in psychology, aiding individuals in dealing with difficult or uncertain times. However, it's important to be mindful of over-dependence on these objects, as it could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Overall, if sleeping with a stuffed animal helps one sleep better without negatively impacting other areas of life, it can be considered a positive practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of adults who sleep with a stuffed animal | 40% |
| Reasons | Provide security, comfort, and support |
| Self-soothing | |
| Relive childhood sense of security | |
| Cope with anxiety and stress | |
| Establish a calming bedtime routine | |
| Concerns | Impact on work and relationships |
| Difficulty travelling without it | |
| Fear of judgement |
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What You'll Learn
It's common for adults to sleep with stuffed animals
It is common for adults to sleep with stuffed animals, with 40% of adults who own or once owned a stuffed animal admitting that they still sleep with one. This number may be even higher, as some adults are ashamed of their stuffed toys and try to hide them. However, there is no robust scientific literature on the effect of stuffed animals on adult sleep.
Stuffed animals can be what psychologists call "transitional objects", which provide comfort during times of anxiety or change. They can help adults self-soothe by reducing "cognitive arousal", or the active thinking that dominates a person's waking hours. The act of hugging has been associated with stress relief, and a 2013 study found that interacting with a huggable object lowered stress hormones in blood and saliva.
The comfort provided by stuffed animals can be especially beneficial for adults struggling with loneliness or dealing with complex emotions. They can also make side-sleeping more comfortable, as they provide support for the belly. In addition, the market for weighted stuffed animals, which can further increase feelings of relaxation, has grown in recent years.
For those who are worried about the stigma of sleeping with a stuffed animal, it can be helpful to reframe it as a personal choice, similar to choosing the type of sheets or the colour of the walls in one's bedroom. While it is important to be mindful of not becoming dependent on a stuffed animal to fall asleep, there is nothing wrong with finding comfort in an inanimate object as an adult.
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They can help adults self-soothe and reduce anxiety
While the idea of adults sleeping with stuffed animals may seem childish, it is not abnormal. In fact, around 40% of adults still sleep with a stuffed animal, and there are good reasons for this. Stuffed animals can help adults self-soothe and reduce anxiety, providing comfort and security during times of uncertainty or change.
The act of hugging has been associated with stress relief, and studies have shown that holding a stuffed animal can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of social connectedness. For example, a 2013 study found that interacting with a huggable communication device lowered stress hormones in the blood and saliva of participants. Similarly, a small study published in 2020 found that weighted blankets reduced anxiety in patients at a psychiatric facility. The authors of the study attributed the calming effect to deep-touch pressure stimulation, which soothes the nervous system.
Stuffed animals can act as transitional objects for adults, providing comfort and security during times of anxiety or change, just as they do for children. As psychologist Donald Winnicott explains, transitional objects "bridge an uncertain gap or difficult time" for children, and this function can extend into adulthood. During times of uncertainty, adults may seek out stuffed animals to relive the sense of security associated with childhood bedtime rituals.
Jennifer Goldschmied, an assistant professor of psychiatry, explains that self-soothing through the use of stuffed animals can help reduce "cognitive arousal," or the active thinking that dominates a person's waking hours. She emphasizes the importance of establishing a calming bedtime routine, which can help adults associate bedtime with comfort and relaxation instead of anxiety.
For some, the comfort provided by stuffed animals can be a way to cope with loneliness or complex emotional situations. The physical presence of a stuffed animal can provide a sense of support and companionship, even when a person feels alone. While some may worry about the stigma associated with adults sleeping with stuffed animals, it is important to prioritize one's mental health and well-being.
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They can provide comfort and security
The comfort and security provided by stuffed animals can be beneficial for people of all ages. They can help adults self-soothe and reduce "cognitive arousal", the type of active thinking that often prevents sleep. This is supported by a 2016 study, which found that holding a stuffed animal during group therapy helped college students comfort themselves.
Stuffed animals can be especially comforting during times of uncertainty or change, acting as ""transitional objects"" that bridge the gap between dependence and independence. This term, used in psychology, refers to items that provide comfort and a sense of security during challenging periods. For children, these objects can be a source of comfort when transitioning to independence at night or when their parent or caregiver is absent. Similarly, adults may find solace in stuffed animals during stressful or emotionally complex situations, such as breakups or losses.
The familiarity and softness of stuffed animals can promote relaxation and establish a calming bedtime routine. They can also provide physical support, such as aiding side-sleeping comfort during pregnancy. The act of hugging has been linked to stress relief, and a 2013 study found that interacting with a huggable object reduced stress hormones in participants' blood and saliva.
For some, stuffed animals represent a connection to childhood and a reminder of a more secure time. They can evoke feelings of safety and comfort associated with childhood bedtime rituals. This connection can be particularly strong for young adults leaving home or facing new life challenges, as they may turn to these familiar objects for reassurance and a sense of continuity.
While sleeping with a stuffed animal can be comforting and provide a sense of security, it is important to maintain a healthy relationship with the object. If the attachment to the stuffed animal interferes with work, relationships, or other aspects of life, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
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They can help establish a calming bedtime routine
Sleeping with a stuffed animal is a common practice, with up to 40% of adults admitting to still sleeping with a soft toy from their childhood. For many, it is a comforting and soothing presence that helps them relax and unwind before bed.
The practice of sleeping with a stuffed toy can be traced back to childhood. As young children, people often curl up with teddy bears or other soft toys to feel safe and secure, especially when they sleep away from their parents or caregivers. This sense of security is provided by what psychologists call "transitional objects", which help children transition from dependence to independence. These objects become linked to bedtime, and the association persists into adulthood.
As adults, people may find themselves reaching for their childhood stuffed animals during stressful or uncertain times. The familiarity and comfort of holding something soft and huggable can help reduce "cognitive arousal", or the active thinking that dominates a person's waking hours. The act of hugging has been associated with stress relief, and a 2013 study found that interacting with a huggable object lowered stress hormones in blood and saliva.
For some, the presence of a stuffed animal may be a comforting part of a bedtime routine, helping to establish a sense of calm and relaxation before sleep. This routine can be especially beneficial for adults who struggle with anxiety or looping, anxious thoughts at bedtime. The stuffed animal becomes a symbol of comfort and security, reminding them of a more secure time in their childhood.
While there is a potential stigma associated with adults sleeping with stuffed animals, it is important to remember that whatever helps a person get a good night's sleep is generally seen as a positive thing. As long as the attachment to the stuffed animal does not negatively impact one's relationships or work life, it can be a harmless and effective way to self-soothe and improve sleep quality.
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They can be a sign of an underlying issue
While sleeping with a stuffed animal as an adult is not abnormal, with 40% of adults admitting to doing so, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue.
If your attachment to your stuffed animal is impacting your work or relationships, this could indicate a deeper problem that needs to be addressed. For example, if you find yourself turning to your stuffed animal for support instead of your friends, family, or partner, it may be a sign that your support network is lacking in some way. If you are unable or unwilling to bring people back to your home because you fear they will judge you for having a stuffed animal, this could be a sign that you are overly reliant on your stuffed animal as a coping mechanism.
In addition, if you find yourself unable to travel without your stuffed animal, this could be a sign that you are too dependent on it. While it is normal to form an emotional bond with a stuffed animal, it is important to be mindful that it does not become the only way you are able to fall asleep.
If you are concerned about your attachment to a stuffed animal, it is recommended that you slowly wean yourself off it rather than abruptly stopping. You can start by moving it from your bed to somewhere nearby, such as a shelf or desk, so that it is still within reach if you need it. Once you are comfortable with this, you can move it further away, and eventually out of sight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is perfectly normal. A survey has shown that 40% of adults admit to sleeping with a soft toy from their childhood.
Stuffed animals can provide a sense of comfort and security and help soothe stress. They can also help adults self-soothe and reduce "cognitive arousal", the type of active thinking that dominates a person's waking hours.
Doctors refer to stuffed animals as "transitional objects", which help children transition from dependence to independence, especially during their bedtime routine when their parent or caregiver is away. However, if your attachment to your stuffed animal impacts your work or relationships, that could be indicative of a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.
If you want to stop sleeping with a stuffed animal, it is better to wean yourself off slowly rather than quitting cold turkey. You can start by moving the stuffed animal from your bed to somewhere you can still see it, like your bedside table. Once you're comfortable with that, you can move it further away, and so on.
