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Experts say couples may need to work on one thing that comes naturally to affirm their love or fix it. And that is a good sleep pattern. Science also backs up this suggestion. This is because many problems stem from a lack of sleep, bad sleeping habits or health problems that cause sleep deprivation, etc.
Sleep “divorce”
Whether the disruption is snoring, tossing and turning or phone use at bedtime, couples may consider getting a “sleep divorce” if sleeping together interrupts a potential good night’s rest.
Sleep expert at the leading bed brand Restonic, Doctor Alison Bentley, told Sunday World that loving partners do sleep in separate beds often. This is particularly true if one of them is restless and has a sleeping disorder. Or simply if the two prefer a different mattress.
Low frustration tolerance
“A person who is sleep-deprived may have low frustration tolerance. They may have a short fuse, moodiness, grumpiness and raw nerves. The person may also have a vulnerability to losing his temper.
The Ohio State Institute of Behavioural Medicine research study found that well-rested couples still had disagreements. However, the way they handled them was different. Approaching conflicts in a more constructive, collaborative manner. Compromised sleep can also affect a couple’s intimacy.
Targeting better sleep
Bentley said that couples can work at improving their sleep by committing to better sleep hygiene. This includes setting up a bedtime routine and sticking to it. Also banishing the use of electronic devices that emit blue light (such as TVs and cell phones).
Sleep habits
“Holding your partner is entirely personal. Some people like being held, while others cannot sleep if someone is touching them. Importantly, it doesn’t reflect on the relationship, it’s just how their sleep works. Feeling breathing or any air movement on your face while trying to fall asleep can be very off-putting. Other people like to feel air moving. So keep all the windows open at night or have a fan so that there is a breeze.
Sleep positions when sharing a bed
Bentley said there are no correct positions to sleep in when sleeping in the same bed with your partner.
“The sleeping positions will vary according to the couple. Again, no insight into the relationship as a whole should be gained from sleeping positions. Each partner needs to get good sleep. And those that do are likely to have a better relationship. Because they are well rested the next day.”
The blame for a bad night’s sleep
The blame for a bad night’s sleep should go to the partner who is disrupting the other one’s sleep.
“It could be snoring, restlessness, insisting that the partner goes to bed when they go to bed even if they are not ready to, etc. It’s not a gender-specific thing.”
Sleep rules
“Agreeing to some basic sleep rules is also useful. If your partner likes to read into the wee hours of the morning, for example. They might want to do that in a different area of the home to avoid disturbing you. And vice versa.” (source: sundayworld.co.za)
Online Reporter