You and your partner might be blissfully happy during waking hours, but could your ‘sleep incompatibility’ be to blame for your insomnia?
Research by the University of Leeds and Silentnight recently revealed 25 per cent of Brits get five hours shut eye a night or less, and the mattress retailer’s resident sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan believes separate beds could be the solution.
‘In my experience, many sleep problems can be caused by sharing your bed with someone with whom you are “sleep incompatible”,’ she told Femail.
According to Dr Ramlakhan, there are two kinds of sleeper: a ‘sensitive’ type who wakes at the slightest noise, can’t sleep if they’re stressed and needs their side of the bed and own pillow, while the ‘martini sleeper’ can nod off anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
If you and you’re partner are opposing types, then there are times when ‘separate caves’ might be needed but Dr Ramlakhan explained there’s a way to negotiate things so that your sex life isn’t impacted.
‘I recommend, if you have a big event the next day and you’re worried about getting sleep then lovingly negotiate sleeping separately,’ she explained.
According to sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan separate beds could be the answer for couples who are ‘sleep incompatible’ (stock image)
‘The rest of the time, work on sleeping together but have a back up plan. Aim to communicate openly and honestly but not at two in the morning.
Get the biggest bed in your room, mattresses that minimise other partner movement, use white noise to mask noises such as snoring – a fan can be good.
‘The key is to communicate without blame and shame. Keep a sense of humour. If you really can’t sleep together, then don’t pressure yourselves to do so.
‘But ensure you have lots of cuddle time and plan intimate moments.
‘This can bring a whole other level of fun into the relationship.’
For those who are lucky enough to be ‘sleep compatible’ it can lead to ‘greater connection, harmony, intimacy and, studies show, even greater health’.
And the good news is that you can work on becoming more compatible if you’re currently at odds.
‘You can help each other by taking a practice nap together, for 30 minutes or so.
‘Perhaps try it over the weekend, to work our your individual preferences, and coming up with a solution,’ Dr Ramlakhan suggested.
According to Silentnight’s sales figures, more couples are no investing in King and Super King size mattresses to improve their sleep.
While some people prefer to cuddle others need their space in bed and Dr Ramlakhan said that respecting each other’s sleep preferences is key (stock image)