Katharina Buczek
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.
