Is It Healthy for Adults to Sleep With Stuffed Animals

It might sound surprising, but sleeping with a stuffed animal as an adult is more common and more normal than you might think. A 2017 survey found that about 40 percent of American adults still sleep with a teddy bear. While stuffed animals are often associated with childhood comfort, experts agree they can continue to offer meaningful emotional support well into adulthood.

Whether it’s about nostalgia, comfort, or stress relief, experts explain why this habit can be healthy and when it might be worth a second look.

Why Some Adults Still Sleep With Stuffed Animals

• Comfort and Security
  Many adults reach for their childhood plushies during times of stress or change. "The familiar presence of a stuffed animal can serve as a soothing anchor, helping to ease anxiety and promote relaxation," says Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW.

• Sentimental Value
  Stuffed animals often represent loved ones, happy memories, or simpler times. Holding onto that connection can offer a reassuring sense of emotional stability.

• Physical Comfort
  Much like a body pillow, stuffed animals provide a comforting tactile sensation that can genuinely improve sleep quality.

• Bedtime Routine
  Having a familiar bedtime ritual even if it includes a stuffed animal can help some people fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

When Sleeping With Stuffed Animals Might Signal a Deeper Issue

Experts stress that sleeping with a stuffed animal is typically harmless. However, it could indicate underlying issues if:

• You cannot sleep without it, experiencing distress or insomnia when separated.

• It causes strain in relationships, particularly if a partner feels excluded or uncomfortable.

• You avoid travel or social events out of embarrassment.

• It's linked to unaddressed anxiety, trauma, or emotional distress.

"If the attachment causes distress or interferes with daily functioning, it’s worth exploring with a therapist," says Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC.

How to Transition Away If You Want To

If your stuffed animal is causing challenges in your life, here are a few gentle strategies:

• Work with a Therapist
  Professional support can help you explore any deeper emotional ties and create a plan to move forward.

• Gradual Weaning
  Slowly move the stuffed animal further from your sleeping space over time first to the nightstand, then across the room.

• Replace With Comfort Alternatives
  Try swapping in a soft pillow, a weighted blanket, or a cozy fabric to maintain the tactile comfort.

• Establish New Rituals
  Introduce calming pre-sleep habits like reading, meditation, or journaling to replace the emotional support the stuffed animal provided.

The Bottom Line

Sleeping with a stuffed animal as an adult is a personal choice and perfectly healthy for most people. As long as it doesn’t negatively impact your life, relationships, or mental health, there’s no reason to feel ashamed.

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