Gaby
Recently, HouseWife discussed the effects of love on the human brain. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to explore the various organs and functions of the body that are connected to this romantic feeling.
Until recently, our understanding of the mechanisms behind love was quite limited. Now, the ever-evolving science of love is enriching our knowledge about how this powerful emotion impacts our psyche and physiology.
The Best Sleep is Together
Despite claims from some sleep specialists that couples sleeping in the same bed experience restless and unstable sleep, German researchers assure us otherwise. According to a study from the Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, sharing a bed with a partner enhances REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This phase is crucial for our emotions, memories, and creative problem-solving.
Researchers scanned the brains of young couples over four nights. Some nights, the lovers slept separately, while on others, they were together. During their shared rest, couples showed improved sleep quality.
Health of Vital Organs
Another recent discovery pertains to the impact of love on our gut microbiome. This community of gut microbes correlates with many bodily functions, including digestion and brain activity.
A study from the University of British Columbia (Canada) found that people in close relationships with regular physical contact have a more diverse gut microbiome. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, this research revealed that a single kiss transfers about 80 million bacteria between lovers.
Other scientists have shown that love can also reduce chronic inflammation, consequently lowering the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
According to a study from the University of North Carolina (USA), spending time with loved ones decreases levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key indicator of chronic inflammation. Over the course of a month, the team monitored CRP levels in 100 individuals in close relationships. As reported in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, the more time participants spent with their partners, the lower their CRP levels were.
Love Eases Pain
Meanwhile, research from the Medical University of Austria showed that the presence of a loved one can help reduce pain, even if you’re not touching or talking to them.
The team involved 48 couples in the study. All participants were tested for pain tolerance—first when they were alone and then alongside their partners. It turned out that both men and women found it easier to endure pain when a loved one was nearby, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Oxytocin Regulates Digestion and Promotes Hair Growth
At the core of many physiological effects of love is the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “hug hormone.” It is associated with various behavioral manifestations, including the euphoria we feel when we fall in love. Oxytocin is well-known for its relaxing effects, helping to establish a bond with a partner and reducing stress.
This, in turn, can assist with stress-related gut disorders. A study from the Penn State College of Medicine (USA) showed that oxytocin can alleviate digestive symptoms caused by stress, such as constipation, bloating, and nausea.
Additionally, researchers found that oxytocin promotes hair growth. A study published last year in Scientific Reports confirmed that this hormone activates the development of dermal papilla cells, which play a vital role in hair growth.
How Dopamine Governs the Infatuated
Love also triggers the release of dopamine—the “feel-good” hormone. It affects many bodily functions, including activity levels, mood, and feelings of happiness—the very “butterflies in the stomach.” A team of American neurobiologists recently demonstrated that when a person anticipates a date with their love interest, their dopamine levels surge. Neurobiologists assert that this dopamine spike, driven by romantic passion, is beneficial for our health and is what keeps us invested in our romantic connections. This explains why breaking up can be so difficult.
Meanwhile, unrequited love can lead to behaviors resembling addiction, noted Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi from Finland. According to her, every cell in our body craves to be with the one we love. If, for some reason, that connection doesn’t happen, dopamine levels drop, and stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine are released.
