35 percent of British adults sleep with bear

LONDON, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Thirty-five percent of adults in Britain admitted they sleep with a teddy bear to help de-stress and sleep at night, a survey said.

The hotel chain Travelodge surveyed 6,000 Britons to learn more about Britain's fascination with the teddy bear after its staff tried to reunite more than 75,000 forgotten bears left behind in its 452 hotels in England -- and found many were not owned by children.

Twenty-five percent of male respondents reported they take their teddy bear with them when going away on business. Many said the bear reminds them of home and a cuddle helps them to nod off.

Fifty-one percent of British adults said they still have a teddy bear from their childhood and the average teddy in Britain was 27 years old, the survey said.

One-in-10 single men surveyed in England admitted they hide their teddy bear when their girlfriend stayed over, while 14 percent of married men reported they hide their teddy bear when any family and friends came to visit.

Fifteen percent of men versus 10 percent of women reported they treat their teddy as their best friend and will share their intimate secrets with their bear.

Twenty-six percent of male respondents stated it was quite acceptable to have a bear regardless of your age.

No further survey details were provided.