Spooning is a term used to refer to a position where two people lay on their sides, one behind the other. The person in the rear lays with the front of their body pressed against the back of their partner's body. This position, and thus the term spooning itself, can refer to cuddling, sleeping, and even sexual intercourse as the position can be used in all three circumstances.
Spooning for Cuddling
Spooning, and cuddling in general can be incredibly soothing and that’s not just because it feels nice. It has actual physical and mental benefits
“Cuddling lowers blood pressure; it also improves one's mood, outlook on life, and it boosts the immune system," explains Sara Sloan, LMFT, CST Couples and Sex Therapist at Austin Concierge Therapy
This is because the act of cuddling actually triggers certain responses in the brain!
“Cuddling stimulates oxytocin in the brain, which induces a sense of emotional safety” says Sloan. “It also promotes prosocial behaviors such as helping, sharing, co-operation, and other acts of kindness. Cuddling also creates the production of dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feel good hormones’ help to establish the foundation of attachment and connection that bond us to one another.”
Spooning Sleep Position
When it comes to spooning at bedtime, all the benefits of cuddling are carried into our sleep routine. Sounds great! But this is actually a little more complicated than it seems because of the reality of keeping bodies comfortable in the long term. It can be awkward to have someone lying on your arm all night, or to have someone snoring right next to your ear, or to have it assumed that because you are taller you will always be the big spoon (tall people need cuddles too!).
To best enjoy spooning at bedtime, don’t forget to communicate openly with your partner about what's comfortable and what isn't. And don’t be afraid to explore and try out different ways to extend that spooning feeling without anyone’s arm going numb.
Spooning for Sex
Suitable for vaginal or anal penetration, the spoon sexual position is just like the cuddling or sleeping position, but with sex.
“Spooning combines cuddling with sex.” says Sloan “This position allows couples to get a double dose of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, since both cuddling and sex enhance their natural production. This position is a great one to try late at night or after a long day; it's also perfect for lazy morning sex.”
The Spoon sex position has a ton of fun benefits: it’s great for gently exploring rear entry sex, it offers terrific access to the G-spot and prostate, and it makes it super easy to stimulate the clitoris or penis of the receiving partner. Additionally, the spoon position doesn’t require a ton of mobility and is great for bodies of different shapes and sizes.
