Do you prefer to sleep alone?
An increasing number of us choose to sleep alone. In fact, a recent survey has revealed that up to 1/6 of British couples or 15% now sleep apart, with 89% choosing to sleep in separate rooms. And yet, this decision is often seen as a betrayal of our relationship, and is sometimes referred to as a sleeping divorce.
Is it so bad if you prefer to sleep alone?
When 90% of adults say they don’t get enough sleep, and stress and sleep-related problems last year cost UK businesses £40 billion (in absenteeism, poor performance, accidents), it’s It is important not to underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.
And it has nothing to do with the number of hours you spend in bed trying to fall asleep. It is the quality of sleep itself that benefits us in terms of supporting our health and well-being. Therefore, disturbed, restless or irregular sleep will result in a restless start to the day.
It’s important to address as many factors as possible to improve the quality of your sleep, and if doing so affects your sleeping arrangements, you may need to determine which one will best benefit your health, well-being, and the overall quality of your relationship.
Sleeping with someone who has health problems that make them sleep poorly can be very upsetting for your partner. Ultimately, this may justify their move to single beds, if not separate bedrooms. Someone who snores regularly, gets up frequently at night, or tosses and turns can really disrupt their partner’s ability to sleep.
On a practical level, having a partner who operates on a different body clock and goes to bed earlier or later, works antisocial shift patterns, or perhaps is the agreed caretaker for a newborn baby can all be reasons to negotiate a relationship more flexible. sleeping arrangements, perhaps temporarily. A person may prefer the cool bedroom, the firmer mattress, or be a comforter hoarder. Some of these preferences can be resolved quite easily, but others can cause ongoing tension, irritation, and even fights.
If you make the decision to sleep apart, agree to spend quality time together as often as possible. There is no need for intimacy and closeness to suffer, and often times spent together become in a better mood, more fun, and less stressful after a good night’s sleep.
Decide which evenings or early mornings could become personal time for us; There may be one or two evenings a week when you commit to using the bedroom to catch up, chat, and be together. Weekends can also provide the opportunity for special personal time. Make sure that the times you spend together are for communication, sharing thoughts and feelings, and strengthening your bond. Keep the bedroom as “our oasis,” especially when you don’t regularly sleep together.
And consider some proactive things that can be introduced to help. Snoring can be relieved by losing a little weight, drinking less alcohol, exercising more, and improving the quality of your breathing. Being stressed and having too much on your mind can also cause restless sleep. Discuss ways to better manage your stress areas more effectively, which then improves the overall quality of your relationship, life, and sleep.
Associated health problems and medications can disrupt sleep patterns and sometimes even cause insomnia. If you suspect this is the case, book a medical check-up and discuss your options with your family doctor. Simple adjustments can make major improvements.
Sleeping arrangements are a personal matter and do not necessarily define the status of your relationship. If you choose to sleep in separate beds or bedrooms, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, that decision may make you feel better, allow you to put more thoughtful effort into your relationship, and ultimately improve its overall quality.
Get a good night’s sleep and feel better in every area of your life!