Does sharing a bed affect your sleep?
There are conflicting viewpoints on how sleeping with a partner affects your overall sleep quality and sleep hygiene. In most cases, a bed partner will significantly affect your sleep quality if he/she suffers from a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders that could decrease a bed partner’s sleep quality include the following:
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep talking
- Insomnia
- Night terrors
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Is it healthier to sleep alone or with a bed partner?
Sleeping alone could avoid potential complications of sleeping with a bed partner, including:
- Difference in temperature preferences
- Difference in mattress type preferences
- Disturbances caused by tossing and turning
- Disturbances caused by sleep disorders
- Discomfort when there is not enough bed space for two people to sleep
- Disturbances caused by sleep routine differences
On the other hand, some experts claim that sleeping with a bed partner can benefit your sleep and overall health. When bed partners share a similar bedtime routine and do not disturb one another’s sleep quality during the night, having a bed partner can be beneficial to emotional and physical health.
How can I sleep better when sharing a bed?
The following tips can be used to help you and your partner sleep better together.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule: If you and your partner commit to following a sleep schedule each night (going to bed and waking up at a similar time), you can maximize the amount of quality sleep you both get nightly. You can also try using a relaxing bedtime routine, such as using a humidifier with a soothing scent or listening to relaxing music.
Sleep on a High-Quality Mattress: Investing in a mattress that meets both your and your sleep partner’s needs is vital to ensuring that you both have a high-quality sleep experience. When looking for a mattress, make sure that both you and your partner are available to test out the mattress. Take turns lying together on each mattress to test comfort levels before purchasing.
Agree on a Room Temperature: If you and your partner are not accustomed to sleeping at the same temperature, consider coming to an agreement that meets in the middle. In some cases, a small fan aimed at one partner could help keep that side of the room cooler. Another option for bed partners who disagree on temperature is for one partner to use thicker blankets on that side of the bed.
Get in and out of Bed Quietly: For partners who get into or out of bed at different times, an easy fix is to simply use great care when moving in and out of the bed while your partner is still sleeping. Be as quiet as possible and try not to make sudden movements that could cause your bed partner to awaken.
If you are suffering from sleep problems caused by sharing a bed, the first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions as well as sleep-related problems. Call 212.873.6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.