Though it's not often talked about, many great couples make terrible sleeping partners. They think they should snuggle up together and drift off into blissful slumber, not waking until morning.
In reality, that's just not how it works. Different temperature preferences, nighttime waking, snoring, and a host of other challenges can all leave partners grumpy in the morning.
Here are some common sleep problems couples face and tips on how to resolve them.
Snoring
This may be the biggest problem couples face, as an estimated 57% of men and 40% of women snore. If your partner sounds like a jackhammer at a construction site, you want to do anything to make it stop.
But snoring isn't just an annoying habit. It can indicate other health issues, too. The best route is to find the cause of the snoring and fix it. Many people have found that their snoring is reduced when they refrain from alcohol before bed, lose weight, or select the right kind of anti snoring pillow. Other people may need the help of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Though people often dismiss snoring as a minor inconvenience, it may warrant a discussion with your doctor.
Hitting the Snooze Button
Does your partner hit the snooze button for an hour before actually getting up? It can be frustrating when your partner is the one who needs to get up, yet you're lying there wide awake.
Try agreeing on a time you or your partner actually need to wake up. Many people like to build in a buffer, so the alarm goes off at 5 a.m., but they know they don't actually have to get out of bed until 6 a.m. However, this just drags out the inevitable and leads to an hour of disrupted sleep.
Instead, use an actual alarm clock, not your phone, positioned across the room. This will require you to get out of the bed to turn it off. Once out of bed, drink some water and do a bit of light stretching to resist the urge to crawl back into that cozy nest of blankets.
Sleeping with the curtains open or using an alarm that incorporates a "wake up" light or gentle increase in alarm volume can help make the transition easier, as well.
Different Sleep Requirements
This is a broad category that could include lots of things. Perhaps you like to be warm when you sleep and your partner wants the room to feel like a refrigerator. Maybe they toss and turn all night or go full "starfish," crowding you off the bed. Or maybe they have to get up for an early commute and you work the late shift.
If it's just a matter of temperature preference, you can sleep in the same bed but have your own blankets. Getting pushed off the bed? Try two beds in the same room. It might sound a little "old school," but many couples enjoy being in the same room while still having their own space.
If that's not enough, and you have the space, you may want to consider sleeping in separate bedrooms. This doesn't mean you can't have sleepovers on the weekend or cuddle together each night before retreating to your own room, though. It just gives you a quiet refuge where you can meet your own sleep needs.
Keep the Goal in Mind
Many people underestimate the importance of good sleep, but it has a huge impact on your waking life. Tackle this problem with your partner and you'll soon be waking up refreshed and ready to take on the world together.
About the Author:
Jennifer Hardy, SleepingBetter.co
Jennifer is a stay at home mom with 2 kids, who is an active contributor to SleepingBetter.co. She has been researching sleep science for years and is all about creating the perfect sleep sanctuary for herself because she knows how powerful good sleep can be on your health and beauty. She loves reviewing everything from comfortable pillows to the best mattresses.
