source : edition.cnn.com
A few months ago, I found myself rummaging through an old storage bin and came across something that instantly brought me back to childhood: my scruffy, slightly lopsided stuffed elephant, “Bobo.” He’d seen better days, for sure, but the moment I held him, I felt a weird, calming warmth I hadn’t realized I missed.
Now, I’ll be real, I tucked Bobo next to my pillow that night… and every night since. Turns out, I’m not the only adult still sharing a bed with a stuffed animal, and according to sleep scientists and therapists, I might actually be onto something.
Stuffed Animals Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore
According to recent data, nearly 1 in 5 plush toys sold in 2024 went to adults. And if you think the Build-A-Bear aisle is just for toddlers and birthday parties, think again, the brand now has an entire section just for grown-ups.
Why the sudden grown-up plush rush? Well, it turns out these fluffy companions helped a lot of us ride the emotional rollercoaster of the pandemic. People were craving comfort, connection, and a touch of nostalgia, and sometimes a stuffed sloth named Gary did a better job than a Zoom call ever could.
The Psychology of Plush Comfort
Dr. Jessica Lamar, a therapist who actually uses stuffed animals in trauma healing work, says it’s about reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that needed more comfort, safety, and love than we might’ve received. Some of her adult clients make custom bears to represent their “inner child”, a tangible way to offer that love retroactively.
Even if you haven’t experienced trauma, stuffed animals can still tap into something powerful. That soft texture? The familiarity? It cues your brain to relax. Like aromatherapy, but cuddlier.
It’s Not Immature. It’s Actually Smart Self-Soothing.
Some people assume that needing a stuffed animal as an adult is somehow a “regression.” But honestly? It’s just another tool for self-regulation, something we all need in a world that’s constantly pushing us to be “on.”
Think about it: we praise meditation, deep breathing, warm baths, and ASMR playlists as valid ways to decompress. Why should hugging a stuffed bunny be any different?
And if you’ve got kids around, cuddling with a plush pal is a great way to model emotional regulation and self-care. Psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg even emphasizes how important it is to let boys keep their stuffed animals, it reinforces that it’s okay for everyone to seek comfort.
Sleeping with a Stuffie Might Even Help You Sleep Better
According to sleep expert Dr. Jade Wu, humans are wired to sleep better when we feel safe. That’s why swaddling works for babies, and why adults sleep more soundly next to a trusted partner or pet.
But if you’re sleeping solo? A stuffed animal can be a gentle stand-in. It creates physical reassurance that may tap into the primal part of your brain that’s always asking: “Am I safe here?”
Some stuffed animals are even weighted, mimicking the calming effects of a weighted blanket, which research shows can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
It’s a Healthy Habit (And a Lot Safer Than Wine or Melatonin)
Let’s face it: some of us wind down with a glass of wine. Others pop a melatonin tablet. But if hugging a plush panda gets you into bedtime mode? That’s a completely harmless, drug-free way to fall asleep faster.
Stuffed animals can even become part of your nighttime ritual. According to Wu, anything that consistently cues your brain that it’s time to relax, whether it’s brushing your teeth, dimming the lights, or hugging your stuffed animal, helps create a predictable wind-down pattern, which your brain associates with sleep.
Final Thoughts: Hug the Stuffed Animal. You Deserve It.
Whether you’ve got a childhood teddy tucked in your closet, or you’ve been eyeing that ridiculously cute avocado plushie online, here’s your permission slip: go for it.
It’s not childish. It’s not weird. It’s human. We all crave softness, safety, and small reminders that we’re allowed to feel comforted.
So tonight, I’ll be snuggling up with Bobo again, not because I need him to fall asleep, but because he makes sleep feel a little softer. And in this loud, demanding world, that’s a small act of self-kindness I’m not willing to give up.