Gaby
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finds that simply spending time with a loved one can benefit your health—even if all you do is sleep.
The research team focused on C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker in the blood that rises with inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural and important part of the body’s immune response to injury or infection. But when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can signal underlying health problems.
Testing the Hypothesis
The scientists tested whether spending time with a romantic partner reduces levels of inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein.
How the Study Was Conducted
For the experiment, the team recruited 100 people 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
People who spent more time physically near their partner had lower CRP levels.
The results went beyond simple measures of social isolation and suggest that everyday togetherness could be a mechanism linking relationship quality to physical health in adults.
Conclusions
The Mayo Clinic links high CRP levels with an increased risk of heart attacks. Over time, elevated CRP has also been tied 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 study authors wrote.
The Health Benefits of Having a Romantic Partner
Healthy romantic relationships can offer emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. Support from a partner can lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
Heart Health
Some studies suggest that serious relationships or marriage reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to earth.com.
Mental Health
Romantic relationships can help counter depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Communication and emotional support from a partner provide comfort.
Immune Function
Some researchers report that people who are happy in marriage or stable relationships have stronger immune function compared with singles or those in unhappy relationships.
Pain Reduction
Comfort from a partner or physical touch can trigger oxytocin release, which acts as a natural pain reliever.
Faster Healing
Emotional and psychological support from a partner can help the body recover more quickly from injuries or surgery.
Healthy Habits
Romantic relationships can encourage healthy habits—balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and reduced substance use—as partners motivate and hold each other accountable.
Longevity
Some studies have found a correlation between romantic relationships and longer lifespan, possibly linked to improvements in mental and physical health.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.
