sleep apart It may not be the key to happiness in a relationship.
Recent trends such as “sleep divorce” highlight the benefits of sleeping separately with your partner and even living in separate rooms.
The Scandinavian Sleep Method is a cultural design to improve sleep quality in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Norway, which popularized the concept of using two separate duvets in one bed.
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But a new study by Taiwanese researchers suggests sleeping apart from your significant other may be on the decline psychological well-being.
The study, published in BMC Public Health, looked at the relationship between psychological health and sleep arrangements among 860 older heterosexual couples in northern Taiwan.
Both individual and couple characteristics were considered in the analysis. Psychological well-being was measured by happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment, and sleep measures were assessed using detailed statistical methods.
The results revealed the following: elderly couple Couples who slept in separate rooms had lower psychological well-being than couples who slept together.
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For older couples, living arrangements such as sharing a home were less likely to predict psychological well-being than sharing sleeping space.
The researchers concluded that sleeping arrangements are an “important factor” in couples’ psychological well-being. This highlights the importance of considering sleep “in the context of a couple’s relationship,” the researchers noted.
Dr. Wendy Troxell, a senior scientist at the Rand Corporation and author of Sharing the Covers: Every couple’s Guide to Better Sleep, spoke about the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
A Utah-based sleep expert not involved in the study noted that sleeping apart could have an effect. personal happiness This is caused by psychological distance or distance from your partner.
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“At first glance, it seems to support the commonly held idea that sleeping separately signals something negative in a relationship,” she says.
“What is unique about this new study is that it suggests that a couple’s sleeping arrangement itself can influence their health, highlighting how sleep and relationships are intimately linked in maintaining health throughout the lifespan,” Troxell added.
Troxell noted that the study was cross-sectional, and while it showed a relationship, it couldn’t prove causation.
“Separated older couples may already be facing health and sleep issues such as chronic illness, sleep apnea, and insomnia, which can impact both the couple and their decision to sleep separately. mental health” Troxell added.
“The study also did not examine why or how couples made the decision to separate, which is often the biggest factor in determining how that choice affects the relationship.”
senior citizen Troxell said research shows that up to half of adults over 60 report symptoms of insomnia or another form of sleep disorder, leaving them facing a “double vulnerability” when it comes to sleep and mental health.
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“As we age, our sleep tends to become shallower and more fragmented, with earlier bedtimes and wake times, and less deep slow-wave sleep,” she says.
Other psychological factors include depression, loneliness, anxiety It’s also more common as we age, and aging can further disrupt sleep, creating a “feedback loop that impairs mental health,” Troxell said.
Troxell says there’s no one-size-fits-all model for healthy sleep.
“Some people develop a sense of intimacy and security by sharing a bed,” she says. “For others, separate bedrooms can be a wise and health-promoting choice, as long as the couple reaches this decision, especially if sleep disorders or incompatible habits are at play. open and honest communication. ”
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Troxell noted that there is “strong evidence” that physical intimacy, such as hugging, is beneficial for mental health.
Sleeping together or cuddling each other triggers the release of oxytocin, which is thought to be the “love” hormone. Decrease in stress hormones Promotes a sense of security, helps regulate emotions and improves sleep quality.
Despite these benefits, your partner moving around in bed, snoring, and differences in body temperature can also be contributing factors. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivationTroxell pointed out.
“Chronic sleep deprivation erodes mood, empathy, and patience, which are important components of healthy relationships,” she said.
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Troxell suggested that even couples who choose to sleep separately can foster connection and intimacy by sharing an evening wind-down routine before going to bed separately.
“Ultimately, the healthiest sleep arrangement is one that supports consistent, high-quality sleep, emotional connection, and long-term well-being.”
