Combination photo shows two different beds and decor at two different photographers hotels in Natal and Cuiaba during the 2014 Brazil World Cup
Combination photo shows two different beds and decor at two different photographers hotels in Natal and Cuiaba during the 2014 Brazil World Cup. Reuters/Dylan Martinez and Paul Hanna

While warm cuddles and long night talks in bed were thought to be the key to a satisfactory relationship, a new survey reveals that sleeping naked in bed could be the secret for an ultimate happy relationship. According to the survey couples who sleep nude in bed and keep food away from the bedroom were seen to have contented relationships.

1000 Britons were surveyed and 57 percent stated that they felt happy in love, while those who slept half naked with their pajamas on reported feeling extremely happy. The bare bodied sleepers also said that their marriage and bond with their partners was full of happiness and love.

The research was conducted by a New Hampshire-based Cotton USA, the export promotion programme of the US Cotton Council International (CCI). They observed that sleeping habits can have a lasting impact on relationships. There is a greater possibility for couples sleeping together to talk and resolve their difference in bed. When arguments break out or people avoid staying at their partner's home overnight, that's when the problem begins and the intimacy between the two starts diminishing. They also found out that dirty washing on the floor, clutter and unmade beds were among the biggest turn-off's. Pet peeves also included eating in bed, allowing pets in, hogging the duvet and wearing socks.

"Bedding can feel extremely soft against the skin, encouraging openness and intimacy between couples and ultimately increasing happiness," said the survey. The poll results also suggested that materials used on the bed could affect a person's perception of a date, while satin gives an impression of wealth it also gave a feeling of unpleasantness. Cotton is associated with cleanliness and hygiene and polyester they stated gave an impression of being "cheap".

Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, from Cotton USA, said, "There are many factors which can affect the success of a relationship, but one factor which is often overlooked is the bedroom environment."