It might be time to file for a sleep divorce.
This may sound like a drastic measure, but it is becoming more and more common for couples to sleep in separate beds or even separate rooms. According to sleep experts, there may be benefits to a sleep breakup, such as improved personal sleep quality and the ability to detect potential sleep disorders in yourself or your partner.
Many couples experience sleep disruption caused by snoring, tossing and turning, different schedules, or other factors that can lead to a lack of quality sleep.
This can be detrimental to overall health and can also negatively impact the relationship.
Sleep deprivation can cause irritability, lack of focus, and a host of other problems, leading to disagreements and even fights between partners.
However, a sleep divorce can be a solution for some couples.
The concept of a sleep divorce has gained popularity in recent years, with social media users discussing the phenomenon under the hashtag “#SleepDivorce” on TikTok.
In one TikTok video, a couple shared that one of them has the “greatest sleep of her life” and doesn’t understand why some others are “sleepless.” In this case, a sleep divorce may be necessary to improve personal sleep quality and ultimately improve the relationship.
“Nighttime comes the time where we just disconnect,” they shared.
And sleep experts believe there could be benefits to a sleep breakup.
“There are benefits for some partners to sleep separately,” said Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, a consultant to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told CBS News. “Studies demonstrate that when one-bed partner has a sleep disorder it can negatively affect the other sleeper.”
For example, when one partner has insomnia, both tend to wake up at the same time. Similarly, when partners differ in chronotype, such as when one is a night owl and the other an early bird, these differing sleep preferences can negatively impact both partners’ sleep.
While a sleep divorce may be a good solution for some couples, it’s important to note that sleeping separately is not always the best choice. Having a partner in bed can allow someone else to notice sleep patterns and detect possible conditions or sleep disorders you might be unaware of.
For example, if a partner snores loudly, it could be a sign of sleep apnea that needs to be treated. Dr. Daniel Shade, a sleep specialist with Allegheny Health Network, explains that sleeping in the same bed with your partner can also release oxytocin and other chemicals that promote bonding and closeness.
In conclusion, a sleep divorce may be a good solution for some couples experiencing sleep disruption, but it’s important to note that it’s not always the best choice. If you and your partner are having trouble sleeping, it’s important to seek professional help to identify and treat any sleep disorders. Whether you end up sleeping in separate beds or not, improving your sleep quality can ultimately improve your relationship and overall health.
