Happy couples swear by 'sleep divorce' for better relationships

Successful relationships have their secrets. One trick that happy couples with long-term relationships use is the "sleep divorce," which is gaining popularity on TikTok. Couples who have tried this trend say it's the best thing they've done for their relationship.

Sleeping in the same bed with your significant other is considered romantic and bonding until you come face-to-face with reality. With this image in mind, we often imagine a night spent in the arms of our loved one and a successful morning. Unfortunately, everyone has different needs during sleep, such as preferences for quilt thickness or the amount of space occupied.

These and other factors, such as snoring, kicking, or teeth grinding, cause more and more people to sleep in separate rooms. According to a 2023 report prepared by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, up to 29% of Americans choose to spend the night without their partner. This practice has been dubbed "sleep divorce" and is especially popular among millennials.

The AASM study involved 2,005 adults who completed anonymous surveys online. After analyzing the results, it turned out that one-third of the participants sometimes or always slept in different rooms than their partners.

Interestingly, 43% of millennials preferred to sleep in a separate room to accommodate their partner's needs, while only 33% of Generation X respondents would do the same. The study also shows that men are likelier to sleep on the couch or in the guest room, leaving the bedroom to their partner. Only 25% of women would opt for such an arrangement.

Pulmonologist and AASM spokesperson Dr. Seema Khosla noted that the results are unsurprising.

"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 toward the person causing the sleep disruption which can negatively impact relationships. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep apart for their overall wellbeing," she stated in an interview with Ladbible.

Khosla warned, however, that if the reason for the "sleep divorce" is teeth grinding or snoring, it’s worth seeking help from a specialist. A medical visit can help find the cause of the nocturnal behavior and prevent its consequences.

"If it is one partner’s loud snoring that is leading to separate sleep spaces, then you should encourage that partner to talk to a doctor about obstructive sleep apnea. This applies to both men and women who may snore," the expert added.

The specialist mentioned symptoms of the condition, which include snoring, morning headaches, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating upon waking up.