In this European country, a growing number of couples are exchanging bed sharing for separate nights, and the reason is not a lack of love, but of rest. So-called “sleep divorce” is becoming increasingly common among Brits as differences in sleep schedules begin to affect relationships.
According to the British newspaper The Mirror, around 31% of Brits sleep in separate beds, mainly because their sleep schedules do not coincide. In many cases, while one partner tries to sleep, the other remains awake, a gap that, in the long term, can generate tension and arguments.
The study, conducted by the company from the same country Blinds Direct, specialized in curtains and sleep solutions, involved two thousand adults and sought to understand how nighttime routines influence well-being and life as a couple.
Impact on relationships and rest
The results reveal that 15% of respondents believe that keeping the same sleep schedule makes them feel more connected to their partner. On the other hand, 20% of sleep-deprived women stated that their partner interrupts their rest most nights, a much higher percentage than the 11% recorded among men.
Sleep is, in fact, a sensitive topic in relationships. The study indicates that 18% of women have argued with their partner because of different bedtimes, compared to just 8% of men, says the same source.
Sleeping apart is not a sign of separation
The idea of sleeping in different beds is often seen as a bad omen for the couple, but the British trend shows otherwise. Many couples say that sleeping in separate rooms is, in fact, a way to preserve harmony and avoid conflicts.
According to trend expert Ana Zuravliova, “a ‘divorce’ over sleep isn’t always a bad thing. For couples with different routines, sleeping in separate beds can help both feel more rested, reduce arguments and even strengthen the relationship.”
Profile of British “early risers”
The study also reveals that the United Kingdom is a country of early risers. Around six in ten people (60%) say they are more productive in the morning, while 42% say they perform better at night, says the same source. Among those who get up early, 28% say they feel happier and 42% believe that this habit has a positive impact on physical and mental health.
When routines don’t work out
For those in a relationship with inconsistent schedules, Ana Zuravliova leaves three simple pieces of advice to maintain a balance between rest and life as a couple.
- Create a joint nighttime ritual: even if the schedules are different, setting aside 30 to 60 minutes of sharing before bed, whether to talk, read or relax, helps to strengthen the emotional connection;
- Invest in an ideal sleep environment: using blackout curtains, white noise or sleep masks can minimize disturbances when one partner gets up early or stays up late;
- Consider “sleep divorce”: In some cases, sleeping in separate beds a few nights a week can significantly improve the quality of rest and reduce stress.
Far from being a sign of separation, “sleep divorce” is gaining popularity as a practical solution for couples who value both rest and their relationship, according to . After all, the secret may be in sleeping apart… to wake up together and happier.
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