Sleep next to a child reduces testosterone levels in fathers
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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In our society, the traditional installation has firmly settled - the woman is obliged to raise children, the man is to be the earner and provide the family.
However, the father's participation in the development of the child is no less important than the role of the mother. Many believe that the "mother-child" relationship is much more important than the "father-child" connection, but it is not.
A new study of scientists from the University of Notre Dame confirms that a biological link exists not only between the mother and the child, but between the baby and the father.
The closer together the baby and father sleep, the more testosterone levels in the father decrease.
Previous studies of such reactions in humans and animals suggest that lowering the testosterone level helps men to respond more sensitively to the needs of their children, and therefore fully focus on the function of parenthood.
362 men with children aged 25-26 years took part in the study of specialists.
All subjects were divided into three groups: the first group slept with children in one bed, the second group - in one room with the kids, and the third group of fathers and children slept in separate rooms.
All men during the whole experiment measured the level of testosterone in the blood.
During wakefulness, all three groups had approximately the same measurement results, but in the evening, before going to bed, the situation changed somewhat.
The lowest level of hormone, scientists have revealed in fathers, sleeping with their children in one bed, and the highest - for those who slept with the kids in different rooms.
"Men are able to react physically to children," says anthropologist Lee Gettler. "Our research shows that when the mucina becomes a father, the testosterone level in his blood decreases, sometimes to a large extent. Those fathers who spend most of their time with children - feed them, walk with them and read fairy tales - have a low level of hormone.
These new results complement the already well-known facts, showing that the proximity between fathers and children affects the biology of men, and behavior during the day is only a confirmation of this.
"There are a lot of interesting topics for research in this direction, for example, does this reflect the role of fathers in our evolutionary past? What are the differences between fathers who are at night with their children? How does a child's dream affect the sleep of their parents? Says Professor Getter. - Often in public discussions there is an opinion that masculinity is due solely to testosterone, but it is not so. As we see, what was considered a women's prerogative - the upbringing of children and care for them - is not alien to men, and there is more evidence. "
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