Some Parents May Need a 'Sleep Divorce' to Improve Their Marriage, Experts Say

Are you struggling with sleep deprivation? Do you have trouble getting a good night's sleep because of your partner's sleep routine is keeping you up at night? It might be time for a sleep divorce!

A sleep divorce happens when couples sleep in different marital beds or stay in different rooms so they could sleep uninterrupted. Dr. Wendy Troxel, a clinical psychologist, said that there are more benefits to sleeping alone than sleeping with a partner, especially if one of them is sleep-deprived.

Data shows that one in three couples, even those with happy marriages, prefer to sleep alone or observe a "sleep divorce" with their partners because it's better for their relationship. Couples who may be out of sync when it comes to their sleep schedules could overcome their issues better if they do not have to sleep in the same bed.

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Forcing the Same Sleep Schedule

Sleep expert James Wilson said that there are many couples whose sleep schedules do not jive. However, instead of stressing over it, they set the bedtime and waking hour that makes them feel well-rested, even if it means following separate schedules.

"It may be putting more stress on you to fall asleep at the same time as [your partner]," Wilson told the New York Post. "Often couples go to bed based on what time one person's natural bedtime is, and that can actually be damaging to the other person."

So, for moms and dads who are wondering why they are having a hard time getting some shut-eye, a "sleep divorce" might be the better solution.

Mom Chrissy Clark shared that she and her husband Tom Clark have been sleeping in separate rooms for years. It started when Chrissy got sick and isolated in the other bedroom. She didn't move back in when both she and Tom realized that the quality of their sleep improved so well, making their treatment towards each other a lot more pleasant.

Chrissy said that she and Tom have different sleep habits. She loves to sleep in the dark while Tom likes to turn the light on. He's also a snorer who hogs the covers during the night.

The parents, who have been married for 14 years, want to normalize the idea that couples can sleep apart, especially if it helps with their health. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 35.3 percent of adults suffer from sleep deprivation.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Chronic sleep deprivation may health issues like high blood pressure, immunity impairment, diabetes, heart attack, obesity and lowered sex drive. Sleep deprivation can also lead to memory impairment, lack of alertness, stress and conflict in relationships, moodiness, and generally low quality of life.

People who continue to go without proper sleep for days may also have changes in their physical appearance. Experts say that sleep is just like taking medication; it should be done on schedule and with the right hours and the waking hours should also be consistent.

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