Many people may think teddy bears are only kept on children's beds, but new research shows a surprising number of adults are taking the cuddly toys to bed, too.
The survey by hotel chain Travelodge reveals 35 per cent of adults in Britain admit they still sleep with a teddy bear to de-stress and help them sleep, according to a Travelodge statement.
"Teddy Bears represent happiness and security in childhood," said Dawn James, an arctophile (someone who has a fondness for teddy bears) and editor of Teddy Bear Times, in a statement. "They are the best friend that always listens and never criticizes."
Staff of the hotel have tried to reunite more than 75,000 forgotten bears left behind in hotels during the past 12 months and found many were not owned by children.
About 25 per cent of men said they take their teddy bear away on business to help them nod off because it reminds them of home.
"It's not surprising, then, that taking a cuddly bear on a business trip is so popular," said psychologist Corrine Sweet in a statement. "Cuddling a teddy bear is an important part of our national psyche as it evokes a sense of peace, security and comfort. It's human nature to crave these feelings from childhood to adult life."
The research also finds more than half of British adults have a teddy bear from childhood and one in 10 men admit to hiding it when a girlfriend comes over.
More men (15 per cent) than women (10 per cent) say they treat their teddy as their best friend and share intimate secrets with it.
According to the release, the most popular animals to nod off with are the classic teddy bear, Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, Tatty Bear and Sooty.
A total of 6,000 British adults were surveyed.
(Reuters photo)
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