Separate Blankets for Better Sleep: The Science Behind a Happier Relationship
Here’s a trend that could make for a strong wellness/relationship piece.
Why sharing everything with your partner might be overrated when it comes to bedtime, and why couples should try the Scandinavian sleep method instead.
According to research, more couples are quietly ditching the shared blanket in favor of their own. The trend, dubbed the “separate blanket solution,” is gaining traction not just on social media but in bedrooms worldwide. Sleep specialists say it could be the simplest fix for restless nights and for keeping the peace between partners, especially at night.
The Scandinavian sleep method is a practice where two people share a bed, but each has their own blanket or comforter. No top sheet. Just two single-size comforters on top of a queen- or king-size bed.
You can tuck one side of each duvet under the mattress to help keep it in place. It’s a style of bed-sharing that’s popular in some countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
No sharing means no fighting for the blanket at night, and that can mean a better night’s sleep for both of you.
While sharing a blanket can feel intimate, it also comes with a hidden cost: disrupted sleep. From temperature disagreements to midnight tug-of-wars, the nightly struggle can leave both partners tired, irritable, and less connected.
Christine Lapp, Certified Sleep Science Coach at SleepJunkie.com, has studied the impact of co-sleeping habits for years and says separate blankets might be one of the most underrated solutions.
“Couples often think sharing a blanket is part of the package when you move in together, but in reality, it’s not the blanket that bonds you; it’s the quality time you share while awake,” says Christine.
Factors explain why one blanket doesn’t always fit all.
- Temperature Differences: Men and women often have different optimal sleep temperatures.
- Movement Transfer: A shared blanket makes it easier for one partner’s movements to disturb the other.
- Cultural Norms: Nordic countries have long embraced separate bedding, with studies linking the practice to better rest.
- Mental Health Connection: Poor sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and higher stress levels, all of which strain relationships.
Practical Tips for Creating a Comfortable, Customized Sleep Setup for Two:
- Choose Breathable Materials: Opt for cotton or linen to regulate your own temperature.
- Coordinate Sizes: Use blankets that match the bed size so each partner has equal coverage.
- Try Different Weights: One partner may prefer a weighted blanket while the other uses something lighter.
- Keep a Shared Top Layer: A decorative quilt can still look at a shared bed while hiding separate blankets underneath.
- Communicate Needs: Discuss comfort preferences openly to avoid resentment.
“Sleep is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Giving each partner control over their blanket type, weight, and warmth can eliminate one of the most common sources of bedtime tension.” Christine explained.
