Valentine’s Day has gone, and some new couples may have just gotten together around the day of love. But couples who have been together for both a long and short time will recognise the new theory trending on TikTok all too well. That being - ‘Boyfriend Air’.
The theory has taken TikTok by storm, with the hashtag #boyfriendair racking up 30.3 million views (and counting) from people who can relate. So, to help, we've teamed up with a sleep psychologist to explain what boyfriend air is and give you some tips on how to sleep better in a new relationship!
What is ‘Boyfriend Air’, and is it a real thing?
Sleep psychologist Dr. Katherine Hall explains what exactly ‘Boyfriend Air’ is and discusses some of the strange things TikTokers have noticed after spending just a few hours with their partners:
“TikTok users say that before they leave to see their partner, they look their best, have their hair and makeup done, and so on. But after spending time with their other half, they feel that their hair has become greasy and their makeup has completely disappeared or smudged.
“They also say that once they are comfortable with their partner, some start to feel like they put less effort in around them and don’t look their best.”
Over 30 million people have experienced ‘Boyfriend Air’ - here’s why
Interestingly, Happy Beds have discovered that 93% of those watching videos relating to ‘Boyfriend Air’ are between 18-24, showing Gen Z is once again driving a trend that people experience first-hand.
Dr. Hall explains that, “it is something that many people can relate to, which is why it is going viral on TikTok. But there is an explanation behind it! When you get comfortable with someone, you naturally gravitate closer to them and spend more time in closer proximity. This, combined with spending more time in the bedroom, means that those who wear makeup will find it smudged, and their hair might begin to feel greasier as their other half is more affectionate - touching their hair more often than they would realise”.
5 tips for a comfortable night's sleep in a new relationship
In a new relationship and constantly feeling tired whenever you stay at their house? Dr. Hall has further explained the science behind this: “The increase in ‘love’ hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin boost our mood so significantly that it almost stops us from sleeping. Those in love, or starting a new relationship, might report being unable to sleep because they are wide awake, and it's because of the chemical changes in your brain”.
If this sounds like you, here are our top five tips to help you get a comfortable sleep in your new environment, whilst still cherishing all those feelings of love:
1. Go to bed earlier
By going to bed earlier, you’ll spend more time cosying up next to each other, which means you may fall asleep earlier and therefore sleep better. If you know you both have to get up early for work the following day, there’s no harm in jumping into bed that little bit earlier to give yourselves a better chance of longer sleep.
2. Relax around your new partner
It may be easier said than done, but you don’t need to be worried about falling asleep next to your new partner. They are in your life for a reason, and the more you start to relax, the better night's sleep you will get. Trust us - you don’t need to worry about getting up early to put your makeup on and jumping back into bed before they wake up! Your partner loves you for you, and going to sleep with someone is a very intimate thing. So try to relax, and your sleep will be more fulfilling as a result.
3. Compromise with each other on sleeping environment
When sleeping at someone else’s house, they may not have the same bedroom or sleeping conditions as you. You need to communicate with your partner and try to make sure the room is as dark as you are used to or a similar temperature to how you like to sleep. Try to compromise with each other on this, as it will be much better for you both if you’re not sleep-deprived each morning. Maybe even take your own pillows to have a piece of home with you!
4. Sleep at your new partner’s house as much as you can
It’s natural to feel like you can’t sleep in someone else’s bed, as your brain (subconsciously) can interpret the new environment as stressful and may be looking out for threats. If your brain is prioritising safety, it won’t be as focused on sleeping and, therefore, won’t allow you to fall into a deep sleep. This stage will pass the more you sleep at your new partner’s house, so it’s a good excuse for more sleepovers! Who knows, maybe they've got a mattress you'll fall in love with that makes you never want to leave!
5. Remember, it takes time to adjust a sleep schedule
Sleep is a huge part of our health and well-being, and a lot of us already have a pre-existing sleep schedule that we are used to. So it’s hard sleeping next to someone else for the first few times, as our body might not be used to their sleep schedule, and vice versa. You will both likely not want to sleep much during the early stages of a relationship. But don't fret, just enjoy this and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have a set bedtime routine. Short 20-minute naps can help your body feel rejuvenated if you struggle to sleep at night. If you're still struggling, we have eight tips to help you get a healthy night's sleep!
Have you experienced 'Boyfriend Air?'
It's the hottest TikTok topic, but it's guaranteed to be something that people have experienced for many years and will experience for many years to come! So, have you experienced Boyfriend Air, (or even Girlfriend Air), and how did you manage it?
Alternatively, we hope our latest tips will help you sleep comfortably with your new beau. A good night's sleep should be something everyone can experience, and with our tips, you'll be sleeping comfortably sooner than ever! If you're curious about improving your overall sleep quality, check out our blog - it’s great for solo sleepers too!
