16 Reasons Why It’s Better for Some Couples to Sleep in Separate Beds

Jana Warner

Is sleeping in the same bed as your partner causing you inconvenience? Then in this article, you’ll find out multiple reasons why sleeping separately may be the better choice for you and many other couples around.

Snoring

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Statistics from Johns Hopkins Medicine show that “an estimated 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25 percent snore regularly—often disturbing their bed partner’s slumber and possibly their own, too.” If your partner snores regularly, you will get better sleep if you sleep in separate beds.

Temperature

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The Sleep Foundation says that “the best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person.” If you like your bed warmer with lots of blankets and your partner likes it cooler, you might be better off in separate beds.

Sleep Apnea

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Does your partner suffer from sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can cause a person to snore loudly and repeatedly stop and start breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic. A person suffering from sleep apnea might need to sleep alone to prevent disturbing their partner in the night. They should also seek medical advice.

Movement

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Some people move a lot while they sleep. They are constantly kicking their legs, moving their arms, turning their heads, and rolling over. If your partner moves a lot while they sleep, you will get a better quality night’s rest if you sleep in separate beds.

Restless Leg Syndrome

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According to the NIH, “restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, primary RLS, and idiopathic RLS—is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in your legs and an irresistible urge to move them.” A person suffering from RLS will disturb their partner if they do not sleep in separate beds.

Small Bed

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Is the bed you share with your partner only a double or a queen? Then you might find the bed small and feel like there is not enough room in it for the two of you to sleep comfortably. So, if you want to have more room, it might be better for one of you to move into another bed.

Mattress Preferences

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Some people prefer sleeping on a firm mattress, while others prefer a softer one. If you and your partner cannot agree on which type of mattress you should sleep on, you might find it’s best to sleep in different beds so no one has to compromise on comfort.

Bed Hogging

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Some people are spatially unaware of their movements while they sleep. They stretch out their limbs sideways and hog the entire bed without noticing it. If your partner often encroaches on your side of the mattress while you sleep, you will be better off sleeping alone in your own bed.

Thread Count

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Skin allergies can make it impossible for some people to sleep with low-quality sheets. Higher thread counts and sheets made of natural materials such as cotton and bamboo might be the only option for them. If you and your partner’s needs differ, you might find sleeping in different beds the easiest way to solve the problem.

Chronic Pain

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Are you or your partner in chronic pain while they sleep? Then sharing a bed might be uncomfortable for you both. If you sleep in separate beds, the person who is in pain will be able to stretch themselves out better and sleep in the position that is most comfortable for them.

Restlessness

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Are you or your partner a restless sleeper? Constantly worrying might cause a person to roll over a lot or fidget in bed as they try to get comfortable. A restless person might also spend portions of the night getting out of and back into bed. Separate beds will help you rest better.

Personal Space

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It is not uncommon for couples to sleep in separate beds simply because they like their personal space. These people have likely always had a big bed to themselves and are not keen on sharing. They like the privacy of sleeping in their own bed and wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Newborn Babies

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A nursing mother might feel more comfortable sharing her bed with her newborn baby than putting it in a cot. Because of this, her partner might feel like there is not enough space in the bed for the three of them. Moving into a separate bed will give the mother and her baby more room at this special time.

Pets

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Does your dog or cat sleep in the bed with you? Then they might be taking up a lot of room, not leaving enough room for you and your partner. If your pet rules the roost, you might find yourself moving into a separate bed.

Travel

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Has your partner just come back from a long-haul flight? Then they might need a couple of days of rest before they feel like they have settled back into your time zone again. While adapting, your partner might be restless during the night. This might be a good time for you to sleep in separate beds.

Nighttime Rituals

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Does your partner spend a long time reading or browsing social media before they fall asleep? Their nighttime ritual might disturb you if you sleep in the same bed. Moving into separate beds will make sure you both get to sleep at the time that’s best for you.