Couples Who Choose Separate Beds May Face Unseen Challenges, Study Suggests

Sleeping apart may not be the key to happiness in a relationship.

Recent trends like “sleep divorce” have highlighted the benefits of sleeping apart from your partner, sometimes even inhabiting different rooms.

The Scandinavian Sleep Method, a cultural design to improve sleep quality in Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway, has popularized the concept of using two separate duvets on one bed.

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But a new study by researchers in Taiwan suggests that sleeping separately from your partner may decrease psychological well-being.

The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, surveyed 860 heterosexual couples of older adults in northern Taiwan to investigate the link between psychological well-being and sleep disposition.

The analysis considered both individual and couple characteristics. Psychological well-being was measured by happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment, while sleep measures were assessed using a detailed statistical method.

The results revealed that older couples who slept in separate rooms had worse psychological well-being compared to couples who slept together.

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For older couples, living arrangements, such as sharing a house, were less predictive of psychological well-being than sharing a sleeping space.

The researchers concluded that sleep disposition represents an “important factor” in a couple’s psychological well-being. This underscores the importance of considering sleep “in the context of the couple’s relationship,” they noted.

Wendy Troxel, Ph.D., senior scientist at the RAND Corporation and author of “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep,” discussed the findings in an interview with News Digital.

The Utah-based sleep expert, who was not involved in the study, noted that sleeping apart could affect personal well-being due to psychological distance or estrangement from the partner.

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“At first glance, that seems to support the common belief that sleeping apart indicates something negative in a relationship,” he said.

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“What’s unique about this new study is that it suggests that a couple’s sleeping pattern itself may influence well-being, highlighting how closely sleep and relationships are linked to support health across the lifespan,” Troxel added.

Limitations and other factors.

Troxel noted that the study was cross-sectional, meaning it shows a relationship but cannot prove cause and effect.

“Older couples who sleep apart may already face health or sleep problems, such as chronic illnesses, sleep apnea or insomnia, that affect both their decision to sleep apart and their mental health,” Troxel added.

“The study also did not explore why or how couples made the decision to sleep apart, which is often the most important factor in determining how that choice affects the relationship.”

Older adults face a “double vulnerability” when it comes to sleep and mental health, Troxel said, as studies show that up to half of adults over 60 report symptoms of insomnia or another form of sleep disruption.

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“As we age, sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented, and we see a shift toward earlier bedtime and wake times, and a reduction in deep slow-wave sleep,” he said.

Other mental factors such as depression, loneliness and anxiety are also more common with aging, which can further disrupt sleep and create a “feedback loop that undermines mental health,” Troxel said.

Personalized routines

According to Troxel, there is no single model for healthy sleep.

“For some, bed sharing fosters closeness and security,” she said. “For others, especially when sleep disorders or incompatible habits are at play, separate bedrooms can be a smart and health-beneficial option, as long as couples reach this decision through open and honest communication.”

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Troxel noted that there is “strong evidence” to support that physical closeness, such as hugging, can benefit mental health.

Sleeping together and cuddling can trigger the release of oxytocin, which is considered the “love” hormone, and can also reduce stress hormones and promote feelings of security, which can help with emotional regulation and sleep quality.

Despite these benefits, couples who move around in bed, snore and have different body temperatures can also cause sleep disturbances and deprivation, Troxel noted.

“Chronic lack of sleep erodes mood, empathy and patience, key ingredients in a healthy relationship,” he said.

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Couples who choose to sleep apart can still foster connection and intimacy by sharing a nightly relaxation routine before going to sleep separately, Troxel suggested.

“Ultimately, the healthiest sleep disposition is one that supports consistent, quality sleep, emotional connection, and long-term well-being.”