A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has revealed that spending time with a loved one is beneficial for your health—even if you both just end up sleeping.
The research team focused on C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker in the blood that increases during inflammation in the body.
As the researchers noted, inflammation is a natural and vital part of the body’s immune response to injury or infection. However, when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can indicate underlying health issues.
Testing the Hypothesis
The scientists tested the hypothesis that spending time with a romantic partner reduces levels of inflammation in the body, along with a decrease in C-reactive protein levels.
How the Study Was Conducted
For the experiment, experts recruited 100 individuals who were in romantic relationships.
Over the course of a month, participants provided blood samples three times. During each lab visit, they reported how much time they had spent in the same physical space as their partner over the previous 24 hours.
What the Researchers Discovered
The scientists found that those who spent more time in the physical presence of their partner had lower levels of CRP.
The results, according to the researchers, went beyond general assessments of social isolation and allowed for a new perspective on everyday behavior. Spending time together was viewed as a “potential mechanism linking quality relationships to physical health in adults.”
Conclusions
According to the renowned Mayo Clinic, high levels of CRP in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. Over time, it has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
“We have shown for the first time that simply spending more time in the physical presence of a loved partner is associated with lower CRP levels the following day,” the researchers concluded.
The Health Benefits of Having a Romantic Partner
Healthy romantic relationships can offer numerous emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits. For instance, support from a romantic partner can lead to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in their body.
Heart Health
Some studies suggest that serious relationships or marriage reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to earth.com.
Mental Health
Romantic relationships also help combat depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Communication and emotional support from a partner can provide a source of comfort.
Immune Function
Some researchers assert that people who are happy in marriage or stable relationships have better immune function compared to singles or those in unhappy relationships.
Pain Reduction
The comfort provided by a romantic partner or physical touch can release oxytocin, which acts as a natural pain reliever.
Faster Healing
Emotional and psychological support from a partner can enhance the body’s ability to recover more quickly from injuries or surgeries.
Healthy Habits
Romantic relationships can foster the development of healthy habits, such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and reduced substance use. Partners can motivate each other and hold one another accountable.
Longevity
Some studies have found a correlation between romantic relationships and increased lifespan, potentially linked to improvements in mental and physical health.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.