A significant number of couples in America are in favor of a "sleep divorce," as sleeping apart in separate bedrooms or beds apparently help save their marriage.
According to a survey of 3,000 Americans, 30.9 percent of the respondents prefer a sleep divorce. Further, 10.8 percent of the respondents attributed the end of their marriage to issues relating to their sleeping arrangement with their spouse.
Some 21.5 percent said that they fight about their sleeping habits with their partner. But 40 percent said they would not tell other family members or friends about sleeping in separate beds or rooms.
"If sharing a bed with your other half is leaving you tired and grumpy, why not consider a sleep divorce?" Joe Auer of Mattress Clarity stated. "Over a quarter of Americans have said that sleeping apart has improved their relationship."
People spend a third of their lives in the bedroom but even couples have different sleep schedules and do individual activities or rituals before bedtime that might irritate their partner. A spouse who snores, or hogs the bed covers, or kicks in her sleep could trigger sleep problems that might lead to more than just a grouchy attitude in the morning.
Another study conducted at UC Berkeley in 2013 revealed that poor sleep could make romantic partners feel unappreciated. When one partner is too tired and too sleepy to show affection or appreciation for the other partner, then it could impact the relationship.
Psychologist Michael J. Breus PhD, however, said that sleeping apart in different beds or rooms might not resolve the issues in some couples. Before considering separate sleeping arrangements, husbands and wives must first discuss and address the real problems of their relationship.
Couples must work harder on their emotional and sexual intimacy as well. Sleeping together in the same bed or room is actually a challenge for couples to establish and maintain a healthy and giving relationship despite their differences as individuals.
