A ‘sleep separation’ – choosing to sleep separately – is traditionally frowned upon and considered a sign of a dying marriage.
But according to a new national survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than a third of American couples sleep in a different room than their partner.
Stigma aside, it might actually make them sleep better. Experts believe it can eliminate distractions like snoring, stolen blankets, and early alarms, leading to a more restful night’s sleep.
And it can even improve their relationship.
Dr. Seema Khosla, pulmonologist and spokesperson for the AASM, said: ‘We know that poor sleep can worsen your mood, and those who are sleep deprived are more likely to argue with their partners.
“There may be some resentment towards the person causing the sleep disturbance, which can negatively impact relationships.”
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that more than a third of Americans practice sleep separation, sleeping in separate beds or different rooms to reduce distractions and get a better night’s sleep
Data from CFAH shows that less than a third of Americans get eight hours of sleep
“A good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep separately for their overall well-being.”
In the survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, millennials were the most likely age group to practice sleep separation, with 43 percent of them participating.
This group was also most likely to use eye masks, earplugs, and silent alarms to accommodate their partner.
The study also found that 42 percent of Americans don’t change their sleep routine when they start sharing a bed with their partner. More than half of 55 to 64-year-olds keep the same routine.
A third of the participants go to bed earlier or later to accommodate their partner.
In addition, men are three times more likely than women to use a silent alarm to avoid disturbing their partner.
The research builds on recent research suggesting that a good night’s sleep can help save relationships.
a study from the University of California at Berkeley found that poor sleep can cause relationship conflict, and another study from Paracelsus Private Medical University suggested that lack of sleep and relationship problems go hand in hand.
Sleeping apart could help a third of Americans who don’t get enough sleep, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
User Joanna, who runs the TikTok account happyhealthnews, said in a recent video that she and her husband have used separate blankets throughout their marriage, helping them sleep better amid her husband’s constant tossing and turning
Author Marcella Hill (left) and her husband sleep in different rooms, and she said “it’s pretty sexy to invite each other.” Abby Howard, 24, (right) and her husband do this to better care for their newborn
“We’ve been made to feel like we have to sleep next to the person we’re married to,” Dr. Chris Winter, neurologist, sleep expert and host of the Sleep Unplugged Podcast, to DailyMail.com.
‘That can cause a lot of problems because of the way you want your environment set up, one likes dark and quiet and cool and the other likes warmer and wants the TV on.’
“One person gets stuck in a situation they don’t necessarily like, or both people, so there’s definitely some merit to it.”
However, having someone sleeping next to you can hold the key to spotting certain health issues, such as snoring that indicates sleep apnea or constant kicking as a sign of restless legs syndrome.
“The worst sleeping situations I’ve ever seen are generally people who are single because that thing was allowed to fester for so long because it really didn’t bother anyone,” said Dr. Winter.
“I think the better solution might be to help that person who is having a hard time.”
He said most of his patients who practice sleep separation are older, though it’s gaining acceptance among younger generations.
The practice is buzzing on social media and has more than 4 million views on TikTok.
“It saves marriages,” a user named Joanna, who runs the happyhealthnews account, said in a recent video.
“From the beginning of our marriage, because my husband tossed and turned so much, we decided to have two separate blankets.”
“And let me tell you, we were laughed at about it, but I have to say our sleep quality is great.”
Author Marcella Hill shared on the app that when she got the urge to move into a separate bedroom, she feared she was “on the brink of divorce.” It turned out to be curable.
“I didn’t know so many of you were just happy with your own room and it saved your marriage and made it even better,” she said.
“It’s pretty sexy to invite each other.”
Matt and Abby Howard, who have a combined account with 5.1 million followers, are no longer sleeping in it after having children. They have a newborn who regularly wakes up throughout the night, and because Mr. Howard is a light sleeper, he works the night shift and takes naps during the day.
“I, on the other hand, am a pretty deep sleeper, can’t sleep in and hate naps,” 24-year-old Ms Howard said in the video.
“I was very hesitant at first, but sometimes you just have to sleep.”