getting used to sleeping next to your partner
In the realm of relationships, there's a poignant transition that often goes unspoken—the moment when you find yourself sharing a bed with your significant other. The movies paint a picture of bedtime bliss; with romantic cuddles and shared dreams, but the reality of adjusting to a new sleeping arrangement can be far from picture perfect.
Whether you're finding you simply can’t sleep next to your partner or you need help getting used to sharing a bed, join us as we delve into the world of cosy duvets, tangled limbs, and the delicate balance of sleeping next to your partner and still liking them the next day. Get ready to explore the ups and downs, the challenges, and the joys that come with merging bedtime routines and finding your perfect rhythm in the realm of shared slumber.
how to sleep next to a snoring partner
We feel for you. You’re exhausted, you’re looking forward to getting cosy and hoping you’ll conk out as soon as your head hits the pillow. But your other half has other ideas. Their snoring either prevents you from sleeping or wakes you in the night – frustrating indeed.
An initial game changer would be to invest in earplugs to create a buffer against the rage inducing sound of snoring. Swimmers’ earplugs are highly effective at blocking out noise, they are designed to prevent water getting into the ears, so they really do work.
The next recommendation would be to get them to read our article on ways to try and stop snoring and ask them to do all they can to reduce the volume of their nighttime song.
If your other half needs more serious intervention, such as surgery. You might want to consider a period of, dare we say it, sleep divorce…
what is sleep divorce?
Sleep divorce is nowhere near as severe as it sounds, and it just might save your sleep (and sanity). It’s simply a newly coined phrase for couples who are happily coupled up but decide to sleep separately to improve the quality of their sleep.
This arrangement isn’t indicative of relationship issues but rather a practical solution to address individual sleep preferences, habits, or disturbances that may disrupt one partner's rest.
Reasons for a sleep divorce can vary and may include differences in sleep schedules, snoring, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep-related issues. Couples who opt for a sleep divorce often find that getting better sleep independently can positively impact their overall well-being and relationship quality, as they wake up more refreshed and better equipped to navigate daily challenges. It's important to note that a sleep divorce doesn't necessarily imply a lack of intimacy; rather, it highlights the recognition of the importance quality sleep for overall relationship harmony.
So, if you have a spare bedroom with a comfy bed and good quality mattress, sleep divorce might be the choice for you until your partner’s snoring improves.
is it healthy to sleep next to your partner?
Sleeping next to your partner can have both positive and negative effects, and whether it's considered healthy depends on various factors.
pros of sharing a bed
Emotional connection: Sharing a bed can strengthen emotional intimacy and bonding between partners
Regularity: It provides a consistent routine, fostering a sense of security and stability
Thermoregulation: Sleeping next to someone can provide warmth, which may be comforting, especially during colder nights. However, for women experiencing poor sleep during the different stages of the menopause, having a human radiator on the other side of the bed would be less than ideal
Physical contact: Cuddling or physical contact releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," which can promote feelings of closeness and well-being
If both partners have similar sleep patterns and preferences, sharing a bed may positively impact sleep quality.
cons of sharing a bed
Disturbances: As we’ve touched on already, factors such as snoring, restlessness, or differing sleep schedules can negatively affect sleep quality
Space: Some individuals may require more personal space, and sharing a bed can be challenging if one partner takes up more than their fair share of space
Cover hogging: Self-preservation at its finest, you wake to find your other half shrouded in a mountainous offering of duvet whilst you’ve got goosebumps. If this is something that affects you, we have a simple solution for you. Invest in two single duvets and cover them with matching bed linen
do couples sleep better together or apart?
There’ve been countless studies and trials to ascertain whether couples sleep better together, but ultimately, there is no universally ‘better’ way for couples to sleep. It's about finding what suits you. Some couples thrive on the togetherness of sleeping side by side, while others discover that a degree of separation in bed leads to improved sleep quality. The key is understanding each other's needs, communicating openly, and being willing to adapt to create a sleep environment that supports the well-being of both of you.
If you really struggle to sleep next to your other half but you don’t want to lose those precious moments where you lie down and chat undistracted or engage in intimacy, why not come up with a routine that gives you time together in bed each night? Set aside an hour or so before you fall asleep and ensure you spend this time in bed together connecting with one another before going into a separate bedroom for a perfectly undisturbed evening of sleep.
Every person is unique, and what works for one couple may not work for another.
Open communication, understanding each other's needs, and, if necessary, exploring compromises or alternative sleeping arrangements can contribute to a healthy and satisfying sleep routine within a relationship.
