Is a sleep divorce the answer to better rest?

Sleep divorces are on the rise, but are they the only answer to your sleep problems?

A recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that over a third of people occasionally or consistently sleep in another room instead of sharing a bed with their partner. The survey also found that about 45% of men and 25% of women reported they occasionally or consistently sleep in another room.

“A sleep divorce is often a temporary solution done out of self-preservation,” says Dr. James Gapinski, a sleep medicine physician at Aurora Health Care. “But it can too easily become a long-term solution if the cause of the sleep disturbance isn’t addressed.”

How to get better sleep when sharing a bed

“Sometimes a sleep divorce isn’t always the best answer,” says Dr. Gapinski. “In my clinical experience, snoring, nocturnal limb movements and other sleep-related behaviors are some of the most common conditions you should address before jumping to a sleep divorce.”

Dr. Gapinski also advises the following:

• Don’t avoid the problem. If snoring drives you and your partner apart at night and home remedies, like sleeping on your back, losing weight and avoiding alcohol near bedtime, aren’t effective, bring this up to your doctor.
• Screen for sleep apnea. Regular snoring can often be a sign of larger problems, like sleep apnea. Treatment can vary but can ultimately help you and your partner’s sleep quality.
• Address repetitive leg jerks. They’re often caused by iron deficiency and certain medications. Your primary care provider can help address these concerns and likely resolve this sleep disturbance.
• Seek diagnosis. If your partner has purposeful and even violent movements while asleep, especially if the movements are consistent with dream content, see a sleep professional to get a diagnosis.

“Not all sleep issues have simple solutions,” says Dr. Gapinksi. “Working with a professional that’s trained to identify and treat the most common sleep issues can help you – and your partner – create a plan to get better sleep.”

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