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Improved sleep quality -

One of the most important reasons why couples turn to the option of a sleep divorce is because of how it eliminates disturbances like snoring, tossing, and turning. If you sleep on your own, you are more guaranteed to get better rest.

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Reduced sleep deprivation -

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability and increased conflict between partners. Sleeping separately can help prevent sleep loss and ensure that both partners are well rested and less likely to argue.

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Enhanced daytime functioning -

Well-rested individuals are more productive and engaged during the day. By sleeping apart, each partner can wake up refreshed, leading to better focus, energy levels, and overall effectiveness in daily tasks.

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Lower stress -

Separate sleeping arrangements can reduce stress and ensure mood stability by allowing each partner to create a sleep environment that suits their needs and is free from disturbances. Lower stress levels contribute to a healthier, more harmonious relationship.

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Improved physical health -

Physical health is another aspect that is impacted heavily by sleep. The body’s immune function and cardiovascular health can be irreversibly damaged by sleep deprivation. By sleeping separately, partners can truly enhance their overall health.

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Enhanced mental health -

Adequate sleep helps support mental health by regulating mood, reducing anxiety, and improving cognitive function. Separate sleeping can ensure both partners receive the important mental health benefits of uninterrupted sleep.

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Less resentment -

Sleeping separately can reduce any potential resentment that builds up from disrupted sleep. When both partners get sufficient rest, they are less likely to harbor negative feelings towards each other.

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Time for personal reflection -

Separate sleeping can provide you and your partner with valuable time for personal reflection and unwinding before bed. After all, it is oftentimes very important for people to individually process their day and prepare mentally for the next.

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Healthier sleep hygiene -

Sleeping apart encourages the development of individualized sleep hygiene routines, such as specific bedtimes and relaxation techniques, which leads to more consistent and effective sleep patterns.

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Freedom to move -

Sleeping in separate beds also allows each partner the freedom to move and change positions without worrying about disturbing the other.

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Sleep disorders -

Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome can sometimes be the underlying cause of issues during the night. Separate sleeping can help manage these disorders and allow each partner to seek and follow individualized treatments without affecting the other.

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Prevention of sleep-related conflicts -

If you decide that a sleep divorce is the right thing for your relationship, gone would be the days of petty disturbances during the night, such as fighting over covers or mattress firmness.

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Independence -

A sleep divorce would provide you and your partner with the opportunity to foster a healthy sense of independence within the relationship. You can maintain your personal space and autonomy while still being emotionally connected.

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Restless nights -

If one partner experiences a restless night due to stress or illness, this can greatly impact the other partner’s rest. Separate sleeping certainly minimizes this risk.

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Improved relationship satisfaction -

Disturbances in a person’s sleep, especially if it is exacerbated by a partner, can cause them to feel incredibly dissatisfied with their relationship. A sleep divorce prioritizes good sleep, which can enhance the satisfaction that partners feel for each other.

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Encourages positive habits -

Separate sleeping can encourage the development of positive sleep habits, such as regular sleep schedules and bedtime routines, leading to long-term benefits for both partners' health and relationship. But despite all the pros that come with a sleep divorce, we can’t deny that there are a few cons that we should mention.

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Reduced intimacy -

While sleeping apart can help boost intentional intimacy between you and your partner, it also has the possible side effect of reducing spontaneous physical affection, such as cuddling or holding hands, which can be important for emotional bonding and intimacy in a relationship.

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Increased cost -

Probably the most obvious drawback of a sleep divorce is the cost that it involves. Since you would need to have two separate rooms with a bed in each, it could prove expensive to those who don’t have these things to spare.

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Worsened sleep quality - Interestingly, sleeping separately doesn’t always help improve sleep quality for everyone. Indeed, studies have shown that some people experience better sleep quality after ending a sleep divorce.

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Security - Some people may feel that their sense of security is destabilized when they have a sleep divorce. After all, the presence of a bed partner can provide reassurance and help you feel safer.

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Personal space -

Despite the cons, however, having your own personal space to sleep can help you and your partner recharge individually. You may find that you relationship becomes more balanced and fulfilling as a result.

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Long-term health issues - As we mentioned, chronic sleep deprivation is linked to long-term health issues like hypertension and diabetes. A sleep divorce can really help mitigate these risks, especially if your partner is the reason you are unable to get a good night’s rest.

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Enhanced emotional regulation -

Good sleep helps regulate emotions, which means that partners can manage stress and emotional responses more effectively. This would inevitably lead to a more stable and supportive relationship.

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Medical screening -

If you are unsure about whether you and your partner should commit to sleeping in separate beds, then don’t worry: there are a bunch of alternatives that you can consider first. For starters, if snoring is an issue between you and your partner, then we recommend getting to the bottom of whether it's a medical issue or not.

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Other sleep-promoting tools -

If the idea of sleeping in different rooms isn’t ideal, you can always resort to using sleep aids to shut out disturbances caused by a bed partner. Sleep-promoting tools such as eye masks or earplugs can help block out light and sound.

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Changing sleep schedules -

You might find that making adjustments to your sleep schedule could be a better alternative to a sleep divorce. If possible, we recommend you and your partner find the best times to go to sleep so that you avoid disturbing each other.

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Sleeping Scandinavian style -

The Scandinavian style of sleeping involves sharing the same bed, but using separate bedding. If you tend to overheat because of your partner’s nearby presence, then having your own bedding can be a great way to mitigate this.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Sleep Foundation) (Hackensack Meridian Health) (CNET) (Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials)

See also: How your sleep position is shortening your life

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