How to Sleep More Comfortably with Your Significant Other

Sleeping in the same bed as your significant other can be a real nightmare if you’re used to sleeping alone or if your sleep habits are incompatible.

According to one National Sleep Foundation study, 25% of couples sleep separately, citing reasons such as snoring, temperature preferences, different schedules and more.

While clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist Wendy Troxel notes that there’s no “one-size-fits-all approach” to whether couples should sleep together or apart, she writes that “the time couples spend together before falling asleep may be the most important time for connecting, being intimate and just being ‘alone together’ without all of the other distractions of the day.”

So, what can you do if you and your partner are having a difficult time sharing a bed? Here are three common sleep-related problems that couples face – and some ideas for resolving them.

Problem #1: The Blanket Thief 

No one likes waking up in the middle of the night only to find that their partner has stolen all the covers. Rather than turning every night into a battle of the blankets, the Huffington Post suggests doubling up on linens.  Instead of using a queen- or king-sized top sheet and comforter on your bed, invest in two sets of twin-sized sheets and comforters. This way, you each have control over your own linens. 

Problem #2: The Snorer

It can be difficult to sleep with your significant other snoring every night. According to WebMD, one solution to this problem is to invest in a pair of earplugs. Earplugs will quiet your partner’s snores and block out any other noises that could be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. Keep in mind, however, that snoring could be the sign of a serious health issue – such as obstructive sleep apnea – so it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

Problem #3: The Early Riser

Just because one of you has to get up early every morning doesn’t mean the other should be destined to suffer this same fate. Caring.com suggests setting your phone alarm on vibrate and keeping it in your pillowcase to eliminate the need for a loud alarm that will wake up your significant other. Or, you can find a customized alarm that isn’t as disruptive to your partner’s slumber.

photo credit: English106 via photopin cc