Patrick and Tamekia find discussions about sleeping arrangements fascinating, especially as it becomes more common for younger couples to adopt habits once associated with older generations. Tamekia often hears the latest stories at the salon, where couples are increasingly open about choosing separate beds—or even separate bedrooms—as a way to get better sleep or improve their relationship. Known as “sleep divorce,” this trend is growing as people prioritize rest and relationship health. We personally find it difficult to be in separate rooms during the day if we’re in the same building, so the idea of sleeping apart seems strange to us, though statistics show this trend is picking up quickly.
Research from The Week suggests that as many as 30% to 40% of couples now opt for sleeping separately due to differing sleep schedules, temperature preferences, or snoring. This shift isn’t just happening among older couples—it’s affecting younger generations, too. I remember when all of my grandparents were alive: one set of grandparents had separate beds, and another set had separate rooms. Both couples were in their late 60s, and I thought sleeping apart was simply a way to manage age-related sleep issues. But now, couples of all ages are doing it, and often for reasons that reflect personal comfort and relationship dynamics.
In our recent podcast episode, Rollin with the Dolans, we explored the pros and cons of this trend. We discussed surprising stats, like how only 8% of couples report cuddling throughout the entire night, while around 86% let go within the first 20 minutes of falling asleep. For couples who prefer closeness, research suggests that those who sleep within an inch of each other are 94% more likely to feel satisfied in their relationship. However, we also found that separate sleeping arrangements, or “sleep divorce,” can benefit relationships by reducing nighttime disturbances—like snoring or different sleep schedules—which can contribute to healthier daytime interactions.
For couples who want to stay close but manage their own comfort, we talked about the European trend of dual comforters, where each partner has their own blanket, an idea that’s catching on in places like Germany and Switzerland. It’s an easy solution for those who want a good night’s sleep without the blanket wars! Ultimately, as we concluded in the episode, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether couples choose to share a bed, sleep apart, or find something in between, the key is doing what feels right for their relationship.
As for us, we don’t intend to be implementing any of these new trends anytime soon—or ever!
