After a long day, nothing beats jumping into bed for a good night's rest. There's just one problem. A barrier to sweet slumber might be lying right next to you. Your partner's snoring, sheet-hogging, tossing, and intense body heat can become a waking nightmare. The bedroom blues are real.
South Africans are sleep-deprived
It's ironic that the earliest human beds were discovered in our country. Like many South Africans, you might be suffering from a serious lack of sleep.
Studies show we're some of the earliest risers in the world. Sadly, we're not getting enough shuteye and it's costing the economy billions. A lack of sleep is linked to life-threatening diseases, creating work-related issues like absenteeism, reduced productivity, and poor work performance.
Is your significant other keeping you awake at night? There's an option that could help you get some much-needed rest and save your career.
Sleep divorce solution
As an adult, you need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to function effectively. A disruptive sleeper next to you can prevent you from reaching your quota. Sleep divorce (sleeping in separate rooms) could be the key to better health, a stronger relationship, and a happier you.
Sleep divorce is a trend that's risen in popularity in recent years. A survey from Slumber Cloud found that 12 per cent of American couples have filed for a sleep divorce. 30 per cent have brought the topic to the table.
In pursuit of better ZzZs, famous celebrities have even admitted to shunning their partners at night. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa are just a few couples choosing to sleep separately. There's nothing to feel ashamed about if it's something you need to make your relationship work.
Sleep apart, stay together
Your bed should be a refuge, not a raging battlefield for you and your partner. Here are some ways a sleep divorce is more of a pro than a con for your relationship.
- Overcome different sleep cycles: If you're a night owl and your partner is up at the stroke of dawn, sleeping separately will suit your unique sleeping patterns.
- Escape the snoring: You've tried different mattresses, resting positions, medications, and machines. Perhaps swapping from a single bed to two can eliminate snoring disturbances.
- Sleep in your ideal space: Everyone's ideal sleep space is different. You and your partner may not share the same taste in blankets, mattresses, room temperature, or desired amount of noise. You can create your personal dream paradises by sleeping apart.
- Down with social pressures: Romantic films make cuddling and sleeping in the same bed out to be an acceptable norm. The truth is you need to do what's practical for your relationship.
- Double up on intimacy: There's no reason physical walls have to kill the love. In fact, by being well rested, you and your partner will be in a better mood to spend time together.
- Retain your schedule: If you and your partner's work times don't sync up, it shouldn't affect your rest. Separate rooms can ensure uninterrupted sleep for the both of you.
- Attend to the kids: Parenting is about making compromises. There's no reason both of you have to be exhausted each night. By sleeping solo, you and your partner can take turns checking in on the children during the night - all without waking each other up.
Start a sleep divorce conversation
It's a tough talk but one that will improve your relationship. The experts have a lot of helpful tips. From the beginning, emphasise how much you love and appreciate your partner.
Be clear as to why you want a sleep divorce. Explain your reasons reasonably and try to avoid making your partner feel uncomfortable. If your partner reacts with anger or displeasure, do your best to put their mind at ease.
Remember, your partner might feel sleeping in the same room is a key part of your physical intimacy. Emphasise that you will make time before and after sleeping to express how much you care about each.
Find sleep success with Century 21
Moving into a home with the right bedroom set-up is vital. At Century 21 Bela Bela, we make it our mission to help you achieve domestic bliss. There are plenty of properties in Bela Bela with two or more bedrooms. View our homes for sale or to let and send our SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ property professionals a message at your convenience.