14 February 2020 | Conseil du bien dormir
Almost one out of two Swiss people sleep as a couple. Sleep is the right time for solace, thus it is perfectly normal to enjoy the presence of a partner in bed. Of course this is provided that the two partners do not interfere with each other’s sleep during the night. Is it better to sleep alone than in bad company? Not always! Every couple has their own set-up.
Almost one out of two Swiss people sleep as a couple. Sleep is the right time for solace, thus it is perfectly normal to enjoy the presence of a partner in bed. Of course this is provided that the two partners do not interfere with each other’s sleep during the night. Is it better to sleep alone than in bad company? Not always! Every couple has their own set-up.
For couples who appreciate the body heat of their partner and who have similar resting habits and sleep-wake rhythms, it is good to be attentive to the following 3 points, for successful and peaceful sleep as a couple and to rest well.
1
Choose suitable bedding
Every night, we move on average 40 times, each movement capable of disturbing the partner’s sleep. For better comfort, we recommend a 160 x 200 cm or even a 180 x 200 cm mattress. To choose the length of the mattress, take the size of the tallest partner and add about 15 cm. It is a seemingly trivial calculation, that may help increase sleep time by 15%. To end the fight for the last piece of duvet: we recommend two duvets, suited to each one’s individual needs.
2
Choose your comfort zone
Wall or nightstand? Right or left? For great sleep, it is important to find the right harmony. If, for example, one person tends to go to bed a little earlier and also gets up earlier, choose a way to get into bed so as not to disturb the other when getting up early in the morning.
3
Choose the best position to sleep
Curled up, Russian dolls, the Freefall position, the Soldier, Starfish and more; there is a plethora of postures to maximise space while attaining a position suitable for good back and spine support. The various books of the « Kâma Sleep » reveal the secrets of positions for sleeping well alone, but especially for sleeping well as a couple.
Each person has their own resting rhythm. When the differences are too pronounced in the sleeping habits and the life rhythm of the partners, sleeping as a couple can become a pitfall. Sleeping together can be an obstacle to falling asleep and provoke night awakenings if one partner is exposed to snoring, sleepwalking, random limb movements or any other disturbance due to their partner’s sleep. When these are nightly, disturbances degrade the quality of sleep of the partners over the long-term. To overcome problems, some couples even choose to sleep in separate beds.
But there is no need to panic! Sleeping in separate beds is not a bad omen for a couple, and it can even be beneficial. The Scandinavians and our German neighbours understood this a long time ago and twin beds became the most practical solution to preserve everyone’s sleep. By using independent box springs and mattresses according to individual preferences and needs, sleeping independence is perfect. The twin mattresses thus create an individualised sleeping space and tailor-made support.
In any case, a compromise must be reached but you should not force yourself to adapt to your partner’s rhythm. It is essential to face this issue openly and as a couple in order to find the sleeping arrangements which will suit you both and which will preserve individual sleep quality. King size bed, twin beds, individual mattresses; at Elite you will undoubtedly find the perfect solution. Long Live Love !
