'Sleep Divorce': Over a Third of Americans Sleep Apart to Improve Their Sleep

A recent survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that over one-third of Americans (34%) occasionally or consistently sleep in another room to accommodate a bed partner. This trend, known as “sleep divorce,” is on the rise, with millennials being the most likely to do it (43%).

There are a number of reasons why people might choose to sleep separately from their partner. Some people have different sleep schedules, while others may be bothered by their partner’s snoring or other sleep habits. Still others may simply find that they sleep better when they’re not sharing a bed.

While sleep divorce can have some benefits, such as improved sleep quality, it’s important to talk to your partner before making any changes. If you’re both on board, then sleep divorce can be a good way to improve your sleep and your relationship.

Here are some of the reasons why people choose to sleep divorce:

Different sleep schedules: If you or your partner have different sleep schedules, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep if you’re sharing a bed. For example, if one person goes to bed early and the other person stays up late, it can be disruptive to both people’s sleep.
Snoring: Snoring can be a major annoyance for both partners. It can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, and it can also be disruptive to the quality of sleep.
Other sleep habits: Other sleep habits, such as tossing and turning, fidgeting, or talking in your sleep, can also be disruptive to sleep. If these habits are causing problems for one or both partners, then sleeping separately may be a good solution.
Personal preference: Some people simply prefer to sleep alone. They may find that they sleep better when they’re not sharing a bed, or they may appreciate the privacy and space.

If you’re considering sleep divorce, here are some things to keep in mind:

Talk to your partner: It’s important to talk to your partner before making any changes to your sleeping arrangements. If you’re both on board with sleep divorce, then it’s more likely to be successful.
Set boundaries: If you’re going to sleep separately, it’s important to set some boundaries. For example, you may want to agree on how often you’ll see each other in bed, or how you’ll handle things like intimacy and communication.
Be patient: It may take some time to adjust to sleeping separately. Be patient with yourself and your partner, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed.

Sleep divorce can be a good solution for some couples. If you’re considering it, talk to your partner and weigh the pros and cons carefully.

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