Miya Pearson
Sleeping with a teddy bear as an adult is a comforting experience for many. A 2017 survey found that 40% of adults sleep with a teddy bear or a blanket from their childhood. While some may view this as a harmless source of comfort, others may see it as a sign of deeper issues. Teddy bears can provide a sense of security and reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. They can also be a source of physical comfort, like a pillow. However, if the attachment to a teddy bear interferes with work, travel, or relationships, it may be indicative of a problem that needs addressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Teddy bears provide comfort and security |
| Friendship | They can provide a sense of companionship |
| Warmth | They can provide physical warmth |
| Protection | They can make people feel safe |
| Stress relief | They can help to soothe stress and anxiety |
| Nostalgia | They can evoke fond memories of childhood |
| Habit | Sleeping with a teddy bear can become a familiar routine |
| Intimacy | They can provide a sense of physical touch |
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What You'll Learn
It's common, comforting and can help with stress
It's common, comforting, and can help with stress.
It is common for adults to sleep with teddy bears or other stuffed animals. A 2017 survey of over 2000 American adults found that 40% still sleep with a teddy bear, and a third of British adults take their teddy bears on business trips or vacations. Sleeping with a teddy bear can be a source of comfort and security, and it can help to soothe stress and reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
The comfort provided by a teddy bear can be especially important during times of heightened stress or anxiety. For example, many people turned to teddy bears during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to ward off the onslaught of bad news and fear. Similarly, a study by researchers at UV University Amsterdam found that touch, including that of a teddy bear, has health benefits and can help relieve existential angst.
Teddy bears can also help create a boundary between sleep and other activities, prompting you to unwind and get ready for bed. They can also provide a sense of warmth and protection, just like they did when you were a child.
If you find comfort in sleeping with a teddy bear, there is no reason to stop as long as it is not interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life. However, if your attachment to your teddy bear is impacting these areas of your life, it may be a sign of a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
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It can be a sign of a deeper issue
While sleeping with a teddy bear as an adult is not uncommon, it can sometimes indicate a deeper issue.
According to psychotherapist Cheryl Groskopf, it is fine for adults to sleep with teddy bears for comfort or nostalgia. However, if you find that you need a teddy bear to sleep or feel secure, it may be worth consulting a therapist. Similarly, behavioural health specialist Tracey Jones, MD, says that the healthiness of this act depends on whether it is "helpful or damaging to one's emotional integrity, daily function, and interpersonal relationships". For example, if you avoid travelling because you cannot bring your teddy bear with you, or if it gets in the way of intimacy with a significant other, these could be signs that your attachment is interfering with your life.
Kathryn Smerling, PhD, suggests that turning to a teddy bear for support instead of a romantic partner could indicate that your partner is not providing the comfort they should be. Alisa Ruby Bash, PsyD, adds that avoiding bringing friends or partners home because you would have to explain your attachment to your teddy bear could be limiting your relationships and life experiences.
If sleeping with a teddy bear is bringing up traumatic or painful memories from childhood, this could also be a good reason to seek help.
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It can be a barrier to intimacy
Sleeping with a teddy bear as an adult is not uncommon. A 2017 survey of over 2,000 American adults found that 40% still sleep with a teddy bear, and a third of British adults do the same. Teddy bears can provide a sense of comfort, security, and familiarity, and help soothe stress and anxiety.
However, if an adult's attachment to a teddy bear starts to interfere with their work, life experiences, or relationships, it could be a barrier to intimacy and indicative of a deeper problem that needs addressing. For example, if an adult avoids bringing a partner home because they would need to explain their attachment to their teddy bear, this could be limiting their relationships and life experiences.
Behavioural health specialist Tracey Jones, MD, says that assessing the healthiness of sleeping with a teddy bear depends on whether it is "helpful or damaging to one's emotional integrity, daily function, and interpersonal relationships". If sleeping with a teddy bear gets in the way of intimacy with a significant other, this may be a red flag and a time to seek help.
If an adult feels that their teddy bear is getting in the way of their relationships, there are ways to try and break the attachment. Dr. Khazan suggests "gradually weaning yourself off, until you no longer need the bear". This can be done by first moving the bear from the bed to a nightstand, then to the top of a dresser, and eventually out of sight and reach, such as inside a closet or in another room. Guided meditations and breathing practices can also help keep people calm and soothed throughout the process.
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It can be a transitional object
Sleeping with a teddy bear or a stuffed animal is a common practice among adults. A 2017 survey of over 2000 American adults found that 40% of adults still sleep with a teddy bear or a stuffed animal. The act of sleeping with a teddy bear is generally considered acceptable, and experts say it is okay to sleep with a stuffed toy every night.
Teddy bears or stuffed animals can be transitional objects, a psychological term often used with regard to children for an item that provides comfort during times of anxiety or change. They can help ease the stress of separation while soothing and comforting the child. As a child, chances are you slept with a stuffed animal or fuzzy blanket that you loved. These objects can provide a sense of warmth, protection, and even friendship.
Even as adults, these objects can offer security when a parent or loved one isn't nearby. They can be a source of comfort and help soothe stress. The familiarity of the object, including its smell, can be comforting. For some, it creates a boundary between sleep and other activities, prompting them to unwind.
However, if the attachment to a teddy bear or stuffed animal starts to interfere with work, travel, or relationships, it could indicate a deeper problem that needs to be addressed. It is important to assess the overall healthiness of this habit and whether it is helpful or damaging to one's emotional integrity, daily function, and interpersonal relationships.
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It can be a source of security
Sleeping with a teddy bear is a common practice among adults, with surveys indicating that around 40% of adults sleep with a teddy bear or another form of a stuffed animal. The act of sleeping with a teddy bear is generally considered acceptable, and it can be a source of security and comfort for many.
Teddy bears can provide a sense of security and reduce negative feelings such as loneliness and anxiety. They can act as "transitional objects", a psychological term for items that offer comfort during stressful or uncertain times. These objects help children transition from dependence to independence and ease the stress of separation from their parents or caregivers. Similarly, adults may find security in teddy bears when facing challenging life transitions or when feeling lonely or anxious.
The familiarity of a teddy bear, including its smell and texture, can be comforting and help establish a bedtime routine. The physical act of cuddling or holding a teddy bear can also provide comfort and a sense of companionship, especially for those who feel alone. The presence of a teddy bear can create a sense of warmth and protection, contributing to a more peaceful sleep environment.
For some, teddy bears may evoke positive memories from childhood, enhancing their sense of security and comfort. The association with childhood can also provide a sense of simplicity and innocence, which can be calming during stressful adult life. Additionally, the softness and tactile nature of teddy bears can be soothing, further contributing to their effectiveness as a source of security.
While sleeping with a teddy bear can be beneficial, it is important to ensure that it does not interfere with one's work, relationships, or daily functioning. If the attachment becomes excessive or impacts one's ability to form intimate connections, it may be indicative of a deeper issue that should be addressed with the help of a therapist.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal. A 2017 survey found that 40% of adults sleep with a teddy bear or a blanket from their childhood.
Teddy bears can provide comfort, security, and help soothe stress and loneliness. They can also create a boundary between sleep and other activities, prompting people to unwind.
It is generally considered acceptable for adults to sleep with teddy bears. However, if the attachment starts to interfere with work or relationships, it could indicate a deeper problem that needs addressing.
If you want to stop sleeping with a teddy bear, Dr. Khazan suggests gradually moving it further away from your bed—first to a nightstand, then a dresser, and eventually out of sight.
