In A New Survey, 29% Of Americans Revealed They Got A Sleep Divorce, Or Sleep In A Different Bed Than Their Partner, To Get A Better Night’s Rest
Moving in with your partner has long represented the merging of living spaces, belongings, chores and responsibilities, and routines.
But now, more Americans are starting to push back against one specific lifestyle habit – sleeping in the same bed as their significant other.
In a new survey led by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 29% of Americans – or just under one in three – revealed that they opt to sleep in a different bed than their partner.
This phenomenon, which has been coined “sleep divorce,” is rising in popularity among couples since many realize that they simply have different sleep habits – and slumbering separately can help lead to better rest.
“The term might sound alarming, but it’s not about ending a relationship,” explained Seema Khosla, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, about the term “sleep divorce.”
“It’s about prioritizing sleep health and addressing the sleep issues that may be eroding a relationship, such as snoring, tossing and turning, or differing sleep schedules.”
So, according to Khosla, participating in a “sleep divorce” arrangement does not mean your relationship is doomed. Rather, this is actually a sign that your relationship is a safe space – allowing for open conversations about what disrupts your sleep and how you can enjoy a better night’s rest.
Of course, for many people, the thought of sleeping separately might cause even more anxiety since sharing the same bed as your partner can provide comfort and feelings of security.
Yet, for others, restless nights are filled with fidgeting, snoring, and wars over the sheets. These evening debacles can impact sleep, lead to irritability the following morning, and manifest in resentment over time.
Ilona – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
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It’s well known that adequate sleep is key for both our mental and physical health. It supports physical recovery and memory consolidation.
Meanwhile, a lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to obesity, heart disease, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders.
“We know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness. So, if you’re continually sacrificing sleep quality and quantity – due to your partner’s persistent snoring, for example – then it may be time to discuss your sleeping arrangements,” Khosla said.
In addition to improving your nightly slumber, sleeping separately may even enhance your relationship, too.
Various past studies have indicated that sleep deprivation negatively affects our emotional control, attention spans, and judgment, which could potentially strain our relationships over time.
So, nailing down a sleep arrangement that suits both you and your partner – whether that be “sleep divorce” or otherwise – may help lower conflict.
However, if you’re not interested in sleeping in a separate bed from your significant other, there are other steps you can take to improve your sleep quality.
First and foremost, if you find yourself kicking your partner for more space – or getting kicked yourself – invest in a bigger mattress. The same goes for larger sheets to prevent late-night tug-of-war.
You can also look into snoring aids, make sure pets and kids aren’t taking up any extra space in your bed, and make your bedroom as relaxing as possible – using blackout curtains, sound machines, and more.
Perhaps most importantly, be sure to communicate honestly with your partner and be open to their perspective, too. You can also always consult a sleep specialist if necessary.
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