Sleep Divorce: Why Some People Are Considering This Method
Some people are in, or are considering, a sleep divorce. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a sleep divorce is when couples consciously choose to sleep in either separate bedrooms or separate beds. There are many reasons people opt for this alternative sleep method. One is having incompatible sleep habits with your partner.
A survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress surveyed 2,000 people and found that a third of Americans look forward to nights when their partner isn’t home. They said that this is because they get the bed to themselves. People who live with a partner appreciate it when either they or their partner isn’t at home, as they don’t have to share a bed (36%).
Sleep Habits in Relationships
The results show that four in five respondents (82%) admit their partner’s sleeping habits consistently wake them up during the night. Their partner snoring (52%), scrolling through their phone before bed (33%), and getting up at night to use the bathroom (33%) were found to be the most common sleep-disruptive habits. a quarter of respondents also deal with their partner hogging the covers (27%), tossing and turning during the night (25%), or “starfishing” across the bed (21%).
To Sleep Divorce or Not?
Despite certain annoyances, the majority of respondents surveyed aren’t quite ready to consider a “sleep divorce” from their partner. The survey found that 79% of people share a bed with their partner, while the remaining 21% either sleep in different rooms (10%), sleep separately in the same room (5%), or admit it “depends on the night” (6%).
Results revealed that 42% of those who sleep separately from their partner believe it “rejuvenated” their relationship. Additionally, 23% believe it’s also improved their sex life with their partner.
Seventy percent believe their quality of sleep has increased as a result of sleeping in a separate bed from their partner.
The survey also asked respondents if they have young children under the age of six (20% of respondents), or a dog or cat (38% of respondents). Interestingly, of those respondents (74% of the total), 24% admitted they’d rather sleep with their child and/or their pet than they would their partner.
Check out more insights from the survey here.
These Are the Most Common Reasons People End a Relationship
They can't be friends, in addition to lovers
According to Heysigmund.com, “Studies have shown that the love and passion that comes with the initial boost of marriage wears off after two years, which is why the best relationships are the ones that have genuine friendship at their core.” It makes sense. You can’t just be physically attracted to your partner. You have to actually like them as a person, too, and enjoy their company. You have to be friends, too.
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There's a lack of respect
This is a big one. Bestlifeonline.com notes that, “…if one partner has a blatant disrespect for the other’s life choices, neither partner will ever feel comfortable talking about their day, let alone their feelings or beliefs.” That’s really true. You have to respect the other person and let them know that you care and respect them, or else the relationship could hit some really rocky roads.
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Lack of trust
Trust is a huge thing in a relationship. The more serious a relationship gets, the more trust is important, too. That’s why it can make or break a relationship in those later years. “One of the foundational feelings necessary in a good relationship is a feeling of security,” Verywellmind.com says. “If you lack emotional support or find your partner unreliable, you might lose trust.”
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You rushed into a relationship
We’ve all been there. Everything was so great at first, that you went from a first date to, “Here’s my mom and dad.” Maybe you rushed into a relationship as a rebound, or maybe it was filling a void in your life. Either way, going into a relationship too fast is often a reason people break it off.
A major life event pushed the relationship to the edge
I’ve seen this happen before. Sometimes, it’s life that causes friction in the relationship, not the relationship at all. If someone is going through a really hard time or dealing with a shocking loss, sometimes, they can decide to just step away from everything, including their relationship. It can be anything from a big move to a death. “A big and unexpected life event, like the death of a parent or a sudden job layoff, can shake a relationship to its core,” states Bestlifeonline.com. They add, “And, oftentimes, these life-changing moments will result in other major changes that many relationships struggle to survive.”
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Communication problems
You totally have to be able to communicate with your partner. They can’t read your mind. The people who don’t communicate well are often those who find themselves having trouble in relationships. “Numerous studies have identified communication (or a lack thereof) as one of the top reasons for couples seek therapy, as well as one of the top reasons for break-ups and divorces,” Delraybeachpsychiatrist.com says.
Your partner isn't grateful
Even if you’re been in a relationship for a long time, a simple “thank you so much” means a lot. Always make sure to let your partner know how much you appreciate the little, and big, things. It goes a long way. Not being grateful could even lead to a breakup.
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Financial woes
Arguing about money is really common in relationships. It’s also a big reason why some couples can’t make it work. Maybe your partner loves to spend money on luxuries, and you’re a penny-pinching type. That’s an issue. “Differences over money is one of the top reasons for marital dissolution. But a couple also doesn’t need to be married to have money challenges,” Delraybeachpsychiatrist.com says.
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