Whether it’s to avoid partners who steal the covers and toss and turn all night, or those who consistently rattle the room with loud snores, many Americans opt for a “sleep separation” to improve their night’s sleep. According to a recent study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than a third of people say they occasionally or consistently sleep in a different room to accommodate a bed partner. Men sleep most often on the couch or guest room, with nearly half of men (45%) reporting occasionally or consistently sleeping in a different room, compared to just a quarter (25%) of women.
“We know that poor sleep can take a toll on your mood, and those who are sleep deprived are more likely to argue with their partners. There may be some resentment towards the person causing the sleep disturbance, which can negatively impact relationships,” said Dr. . Seema Khosla, pulmonologist and AASM spokesman. “A good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep separately for their overall well-being.”
Getting the right amount of healthy sleep is important for relationships. Studies have shown that so are those in relationships who consistently sleep poorly more likely to get into conflict with their partners and stuff sleep deprivation reduces the degree of empathic accuracy— meaning those who don’t get enough sleep are less able to understand or interpret their partner’s feelings.
Nearly half (43%) of millennials occasionally or consistently sleep in a different room to accommodate a bed partner, followed by a third (33%) of Gen X, 28% of Gen Z and 22% of the baby boomers.
“While the term ‘sleep separation’ may seem harsh, it really just means that people prioritize sleep and move to a separate room at night if they need to,” Khosla said. “However, if it is a partner’s loud snoring that leads to separate sleeping areas, then you should encourage that partner to talk to a doctor about obstructive sleep apnea. This applies to both men and women who can snore.”
Loud and frequent snoring isn’t just a nuisance; it is a common symptom of sleep apnea. While not everyone who snores has this sleeping sickness, snoring is a warning sign that should be taken seriously. When snoring is accompanied by choking, gasping, or silent breathing pauses during sleep, it is a strong indicator of sleep apnea.
Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime fatigue or drowsiness, unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, morning headaches, nocturia (waking up at night to go to the bathroom), difficulty concentrating, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, irritability, and difficulty waking up. while watching TV or driving a car. Being overweight is a major risk factor for sleep apnea.
More information:
For more information or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, visit sleepeduation.org. See the results of the 2023 AASM sleep priorities study here.
Quote: More than a third of Americans are opting for a “sleep separation,” according to research (2023, July 10) retrieved July 10, 2023 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-americans-opt-divorce- survey.html
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