Sharing a bed with your partner is a beautiful way to strengthen your emotional connection. The simple act of falling asleep and waking up side by side fosters intimacy, security, and warmth. But while this shared space can deepen bonds, it can also become a battlefield of disrupted sleep, strained nerves, and frayed tempers if one or both partners’ habits disturb the other. In some cases, these sleep disturbances can even affect overall health and the harmony of the relationship. 

Let’s explore the highs and lows of co-sleeping and how to create a sleeping environment that works for both you and your partner. 

The Benefits of Sharing a Bed 

Sleeping next to your partner isn’t just good for your emotional well-being—it’s great for your physical and mental health too. Research shows that sharing a bed with someone you love can lower blood pressure, improve your immune system, and encourage longer REM sleep. This stage of sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, emotional processing, and mood regulation. 

Our bodies naturally respond to the secure feeling we get when sleeping next to someone we trust. The close physical proximity releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calm. This sense of safety can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, which in turn enhances overall mood and energy levels. 

Beyond the physiological benefits, co-sleeping can also reinforce emotional bonds. The simple acts of cuddling before bed, synchronising sleep patterns, or sharing quiet conversations can build a sense of closeness and intimacy. For many couples, the bed becomes a space for connection and comfort. 

The Challenges of Sharing a Bed 

While the benefits are significant, co-sleeping isn’t always smooth sailing. Sleep disturbances caused by your partner can quickly outweigh the positives, leading to frustration, sleep deprivation, and even relationship tension. Common challenges include: 

  • Noise: Snoring is one of the most common complaints among couples sharing a bed. A partner’s snoring can be as disruptive as traffic noise or a barking dog, leaving the other person tossing and turning. 
  • Movement: If your partner tosses and turns frequently, their movements can jolt you awake throughout the night. 
  • Temperature Differences: Some people sleep hot, while others prefer a cooler environment. These differences can lead to one partner feeling too warm or too cold. 
  • Space Issues: Sharing a small bed can lead to feelings of being cramped, especially if one partner sprawls out or hogs the blankets. 
  • Sleep Schedule Mismatches: Different work hours or routines can mean one partner’s bedtime disrupts the other’s rest. 
  • Sleep Habits: Sleep talking, teeth grinding, or restless legs can disturb the other person’s sleep. 
  • Stress from Accommodation: Constantly adjusting your habits to accommodate your partner’s sleep needs can create stress and tension, making it harder to relax and fall asleep. 

Finding Solutions Together

The good news is that these challenges don’t have to be dealbreakers. With a little creativity, communication, and compromise, you can create a sleep environment that works for both of you. Here’s how: 

       1. Addressing Snoring and Noise

Snoring can be caused by various factors, including allergies, sleep position, or even sleep apnoea. To minimise disruptions: 

  • Try noise-cancelling earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out snoring. 
  • Encourage your partner to use remedies like nasal strips or positional therapy.

  • Consult a medical professional for persistent or severe snoring. 

    2. Managing Movement and Restlessness

If your partner’s movements disturb your sleep: 

  • Invest in a motion-isolating mattress that reduces the transfer of movement. 
  • Use separate blankets to avoid tugging and pulling during the night. 
  • Encourage relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation before bed to reduce restlessness. 

    3. Balancing Temperature Preferences

Temperature differences are a common issue, but they’re easy to solve: 

  • Use dual-zone bedding, such as a split duvet system, to cater to individual needs. 
  • Invest in a mattress with cooling or heating properties. 
  • Strategically place fans or heaters to regulate each partner’s comfort.

    4. Creating More Space 

Feeling cramped in bed can make it hard to relax. To solve this: 

  • Upgrade to a larger bed size if space allows. 
  • Practice “sleep choreography” by discussing and experimenting with positions that maximise comfort for both partners. 

future deficits.   

     5. Navigating Sleep Schedule Mismatches

Different sleep schedules can be tricky, but they’re manageable with a few adjustments: 

  • Use blackout curtains and eye masks to create a dark, restful environment for the partner who goes to bed earlier. 
  • Invest in quiet alarms or vibration-based wake-up devices for the early riser. 
  • Respect each other’s routines and find ways to reconnect, like morning cuddles or shared evening rituals. 

   
    6. Minimising Disruptive Sleep Habits

If teeth grinding or sleep talking is an issue: 

  • Consult a dentist for a custom night guard to protect against grinding. 
  • Establish a calming nighttime routine to reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

    7. Reducing Stress from Accommodation

Sleep should never feel like a chore. To ensure both partners feel cared for: 

  • Foster open communication about your sleep needs and concerns. 
  • Consider a “sleep divorce,” where you occasionally sleep in separate beds or rooms. This doesn’t mean the relationship is struggling—it’s about prioritising rest for both partners, this can also give great insight into how you sleep alone and how you can bring that into the shared space. 
  • Maintain closeness through rituals like bedtime stories, shared gratitude lists, or morning coffee together. 

Building a Sleep Sanctuary Together 

At the end of the day, your shared bed should be a haven of comfort, connection, and rest. By working together to address challenges and prioritising each other’s well-being, you can create a sleeping environment that enhances your relationship and your health. 

Remember, no two couples are the same. What works for one pair may not work for another, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as needed. Whether it’s upgrading your mattress, tweaking your routines, or having an honest conversation about your sleep needs, small changes can make a big difference. 

After all, a good night’s sleep isn’t just about waking up refreshed—it’s about waking up next to someone you love and feeling ready to take on the day together. 

 

Begin your journey to restful sleep – find your perfect mattress here

 

 

 

 

Keep reading

Join us as we explore ways to look, feel and perform better using the power of sleep!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This is by far the best mattress I have ever slept on. It was recommended to me by my sister as sleeping on this bed really helped with her back pain. And I can say that it has helped me immensely with my back issues. It is very comfortable and supportive.

Highly recommend this mattress

Julie

Central Queensland, via productreview.com.au

Multiple purchases have been made, for both family and our rental property. A good nightā€™s sleep is such a basic requirement for health and happiness. A good quality mattress is the foundation.

We will continue to be proud to buy Australian. Well made and THE BEST.

Jennifer

Sydney, via productreview.com.au

The last bed we had for 12 years ā€“ a queen size A.H. Beard was great so we upgraded to a king size and are very happy with the Grand Harmony plush ā€“ great that they are made in Australia.

Kerry

South Eastern NSW, via productreview.com.au

Rejuvenating
sleep isnā€™t far away

Find the right mattress for you

Mattress Finder

Answer a few questions and get three personalised recommendations.

Before you buy

Discover the 6 essential features of Premium Sleep

Filter by your preferences

See mattresses that fit your preferred criteria.

Ask us anything

Click the chat icon for fast answers.

Explore our collections

Complement your mattress and complete your bedroom setup

A source of information and inspiration for people who want to achieve premium sleep

Delivering premium sleep since 1899.

We're here to help.

Shop in-store

See and feel your next mattress

Shop online

Sleep better without leaving home

Share This