How to Prevent a "Sleep Divorce": Common Sleep Related Issues Couples Face

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's the perfect time to address how our relationships, particularly with those we share a bed with, impact our sleep quality. Prioritizing sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, but it can be challenging when your significant other has different sleep preferences or habits.

Before considering a "Sleep Divorce," let's explore some common sleep-related issues couples face and potential solutions:

Hot vs. Cold

It’s not uncommon for one person to “run hotter” than their partner. Some life events like pregnancy or menopause may also trigger especially big sleep discrepancies. If one partner runs hot while the other is always cold, try these strategies:

• Use separate blankets with different thicknesses. This is also known as the Scandinavian sleep method (a TikTok and Reverie favorite!)
• Invest in a dual-firmness mattress for temperature regulation
• Adjust thermostat to a compromise on temperature (but keep it below 68 degrees for optimal sleep)

Morning Lark vs. Night Owl (or night shift)

If you strongly favor the morning or night, you know. Some people are up and ready to go at 6 am, while others struggle to get out of bed before 10. Your tendencies naturally shift during different stages of life (e.g., teenagers naturally shift late). And sometimes work schedules drive sleep-wake habits, too, especially for shift workers. For couples with mismatched sleep-wake rhythms or on different schedules, consider:

• Wearing an eye mask and earplugs for the first person to bed.
• Designate a separate non-bedroom area for the night owl to unwind. 
• Consider a sound machine to block out partner noise. 
• Set aside quality time outside the bedroom at another time of day so that the early-to-bed partner can stick to their desired bedtime.