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Health & Wellbeing
Whether you're a seasoned snuggler or new to the art of cuddling, discover the best positions to keep cosy, connected, and well-rested.
7 Min Read | By Gemma Curtis
Last Modified 31 March 2025 First Added 12 February 2020
Cuddling in bed with your partner is one of the simplest joys of a relationship—drifting off together, wrapped in each other’s arms. Yet, for many couples, finding the perfect position for cuddling in bed can be trickier than it sounds, with awkward angles, numb limbs, or overheating often getting in the way.
Our 2024 Sleep Survey revealed that 65% of Brits share a bed with their partner, yet 27% admit they sleep better when their partner isn’t there. If you can relate and struggle to find a comfortable position, here are some of the best cuddle positions to inspire your next cosy snooze.
A timeless favourite. Both partners face the same direction, with one person acting as the ‘big spoon,’ facing their partner’s back and pulling them close. The other partner acts as the ‘little spoon’. This position creates a cocoon of warmth, ideal for when you’re winding down.
One partner lies on their back while the other lies on their side, embracing them. The person hugging can rest their head in the nook of their partner’s arm. This position is great for couples who prefer sleeping on their back and the other on their side.
Similar to the half spoon, this position involves one partner lying on their back while the other lies on their side facing them. Instead of resting your head on their shoulder, place it on their chest for a more intimate cuddle in which you can feel the rhythm of their heartbeat.
One partner sits upright or reclines slightly against pillows while the other straddles their lap, facing them with legs wrapped around their waist. Embrace each other or rest your foreheads together for an affectionate cuddle. Ideal for sharing close moments or relaxed conversations.
For deep connection, both partners lie facing each other, close enough for their bodies to be pressed together. With arms wrapped around one another, it’s a cuddle position that encourages closeness and emotional bonding, perfect for moments when you want to share quiet, loving moments.
This cuddle position is excellent for when one of you is ready to rest while the other is watching Netflix or reading. One person sits upright while the other places their head in the partner’s lap. It’s a cosy way to cuddle on the sofa and enjoy quality time together.
As the name suggests, this position is where both partners lie on their sides facing away from the other but maintain physical contact.
An unconventional yet loving position, the windmill involves both partners lying on their backs from opposite ends of the bed, meeting in the centre with their heads resting on each other’s shoulders. Extend your arms outward like windmill blades for added comfort, and gently cradle your partner’s head with your free hand for a touch of intimacy. This position is ideal for staying close while keeping cool on warmer nights. For more tips on beating the heat, check out our guide on how to cool down at night.
This type of hug lets your partner know you’re there by simply lying beside each other and placing your leg over theirs, offering minimal contact.
This cuddle is good for side sleepers. It involves both partners lying on their sides facing each other. Interlock your knees wherever comfortable, and consider holding hands for added intimacy.
This loose embrace is fantastic for those who find they get too warm in the above positions. Maintain a hug with arms extended, but leave space between your bodies.
One partner lies on their stomach while the other rests their head on their lower back or bottom. This comfortable position is excellent for a quick nap or sharing quiet, intimate moments. Discover more about the power of cat naps in our guide.
Now you know the best positions for cuddling, here are some more tips to help you enjoy your special moment:
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to touch—let your partner know if you’re too warm, squished, or want to try a different position.
Light touches or gentle strokes on the back, arm, or face can make cuddling even more soothing.
While cuddling is a wonderful way to connect, sleeping while cuddled up can sometimes be uncomfortable. Once you’re ready to sleep, feel free to shift into positions that allow for proper rest.
Set aside intentional time for cuddling. Whether before bed or during a lazy afternoon, prioritising these moments helps nurture your bond.
Let’s delve into the three main benefits of mastering the art of cuddling:
Cuddling releases a hormone in the body called oxytocin. This hormone creates feelings of comfort and closeness, resulting in it being dubbed the ‘love hormone’ by scientists.
Oxytocin is mostly responsible for reproductive activities such as inducing labour and stimulating milk production in pregnant women. However, it also plays a key role in promoting social interaction and bonding with your romantic partner.
According to research conducted by psychology professor Ruth Feldman at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, the longer a relationship lasts, the more oxytocin is produced. Her team measured the levels of oxytocin present in couples. She and her colleagues found that new lovers had double the amount of oxytocin that is usually seen in pregnant women.
‘Couples with the highest levels were the ones still together six months later. They were also more attuned to each other than the low-oxytocin couples when Feldman asked them to talk about a shared positive experience.’ Scientific American
‘Couples with the highest levels were the ones still together six months later. They were also more attuned to each other than the low-oxytocin couples when Feldman asked them to talk about a shared positive experience.’
Scientific American
In addition to boosting love and promoting bonding within your relationship, oxytocin also reduces stress and blood pressure. Stress management coach and holistic therapist Catherine A. Connors says that while cuddling, ‘the chemical reaction can help to reduce blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease, but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.’
If oxytocin alone isn’t enough, cuddling also releases the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. Together, these hormones are a match made in heaven for your immune system.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University tested the effects of hugging against the common cold. It found that individuals who regularly engaged in cuddling were less likely to contract the illness and those who did fall ill reported less severe symptoms.
So, the next time you have a cold, cuddle a loved one to help ease the discomfort.
The wonder-hormone oxytocin also induces sleep, so there is no better place to cuddle than in bed. Scientists believe this happens because it suppresses the effects of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’, calming the body down and helping us feel relaxed.
This calming effect, combined with the comfort of your bed and the warmth of your partner’s arms being wrapped around you, creates the ideal conditions for the perfect night’s sleep.
For more tips on improving your sleep quality, take a look at our article on how to sleep better at night.
Not everyone enjoys falling asleep in their partner’s arms. Our 2024 Sleep Survey revealed the top reasons why Brits sometimes find sharing a bed bothersome:
If any of these sound familiar, it might be beneficial to set aside some cuddling time before you both turn in for bed. This way, you can reap all the benefits of a good cuddle without the risk of disturbed sleep. Beyond being cosy, it’s a simple yet powerful way to foster intimacy and improve sleep quality when you do move over to your separate sides of the bed.
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