Sharing a Bed

published by Anonymous on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 13:45
English

Partners, kids and pets can interfere with sound sleep. In fact, almost one-quarter of couples sleep in different rooms. Blame it on different sleep schedules and styles. Find out what you can do to get more rest if your sleep partner is keeping you awake.

Who's in Your Bed?
Builders and architects predict that more than 60 percent of custom homes will have dual master bedrooms by 2015, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders. That forecast isn't so much a reflection on the state of marriage in America - but it does reveal just how far we'll go in our quest for a good night's sleep!

An estimated 23 percent of American couples sleep apart, according to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation. Snoring, tossing and turning, and conflicting schedules are generally to blame for couples not being able to sleep together, says The Insomnia Blog's Dr. Michael Breus. Almost half of adults snore occasionally, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. And men are the more likely snorers, so it's no surprise that women frequently cite a snoring partner as the reason they choose to sleep alone.

Another hurdle facing couples is a difference in sleep schedules. For instance, if your partner stays up to watch a television show after you've gone to bed, you might wake up when (s)he is ready for sleep, disrupting your sound sleep.

Spouses aren't the only ones sharing beds. Kids and pets also like to get cozy. Again, different sleep styles can interfere with our ability to sleep. Children generally need much more sleep than adults, and experience much more sound sleep. That doesn't mean mom and dad get to sleep soundly, though. Many parents who have been awakened by an elbow to the head or a kick to the back report it's impossible to get a good night's sleep next to a sound-asleep but thrashing child.

Pets have significantly different sleep schedules than people. They tend to need more sleep but take it in smaller chunks throughout the day and night. If your pet gets up while you're in bed, the movement and noise are likely to disturb your own sleep. Remember, too, that pet fur and dander are potential causes of allergies and congestion, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

All in all, sharing a bed isn't always easy. Still, since many of us sleep better with our partner (or Fido) right next to us, it makes sense to look for solutions before heading to the den with your pillow.

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