Sharing a bed with a partner often results in more awakenings during the night compared to sleeping alone. While these disturbances are frequently brief and easily forgotten by morning, there are strategies available to manage them if they become a consistent issue.
Sean Drummond from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, notes that “Research finds that subjectively, people think they sleep better together than when they sleep apart, but when you objectively measure it, there’s more sleep disruption when they sleep together.”
Examining the Impact of Bed-Sharing
To investigate the effects of sharing a bed on couples’ sleep patterns, Lionel Rayward at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, in collaboration with his colleagues, conducted a systematic review of existing research. Their findings consistently indicated partner disturbance during co-sleeping. Across the reviewed studies, an estimated 30% to 46% of a couple’s movements were synchronized. This means that when one individual shifted, rolled over, or adjusted their position, their partner frequently stirred as well.
One specific study conducted in a sleep laboratory observed an average of 51 leg movements per person per night when sleeping alone. However, this number increased to 62 movements when individuals slept with a partner. This heightened activity translated into approximately two additional awakenings per night, as detected by scalp electrodes monitoring brain activity.
The review also incorporated research from Drummond’s team, which utilized movement-detecting smartwatches worn by couples sleeping in their own beds at home. On average, participants reported being woken up about six times each night due to their partner’s movements. Crucially, they only recalled, on average, one of these awakenings the following day. This suggests that the majority of partner-related sleep disturbances are minor and have a negligible impact on overall sleep quality, according to Drummond. He explains, “When both partners are healthy sleepers, these wake-ups probably aren’t a big deal; they just roll over and fall back asleep.”
Factors Contributing to Major Sleep Disturbances
Significant sleep disruptions are more likely to occur when one partner experiences snoring or insomnia, as highlighted by the recent review. Drummond points out that “A person with insomnia is more likely to toss and turn, or even if they’re lying there trying to be quiet, it’s hard for them to be perfectly still while they’re awake, so there’s more activity and more likelihood of disturbing their partner.”
These persistent issues can sometimes lead to what is termed “sleep divorce,” a situation where partners opt for separate beds or bedrooms to minimize mutual disruption. Drummond states, “There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about sleeping apart, but some couples see it as a defeat to their relationship, and personally, I think it’s a far better idea to try to fix the actual sleep problem.”
Addressing Sleep Challenges in Relationships
When one partner struggles with insomnia, Drummond and his team have observed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective, especially when both partners participate in the sessions. He indicates that following this treatment, both individuals often experience improved sleep quality.
For issues like blanket hogging or differing temperature preferences, Rayward and his colleagues suggest the “Scandinavian method.” This approach involves sharing the same bed but utilizing separate blankets.
Treatments for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring can be addressed through various treatments. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines help maintain open airways during sleep. Additionally, “mandibular advancement devices,” which resemble mouthguards created by dentists, reposition the lower jaw forward. Amal Osman from Flinders University in Australia explains, “This moves the tongue forward and creates more space at the back of the throat so it’s easier to breathe in and out and reduces snoring.” For individuals whose snoring is positional, such as when lying on their back, wearing a backpack to bed might encourage side-sleeping and alleviate the problem, Osman adds.
Cultural Perspectives on Sleeping Arrangements
Current data indicates a significant prevalence of shared sleeping arrangements. Approximately 80% to 90% of couples in the UK and US share a bed. This contrasts with Japan, where only 63% of couples co-sleep. In Japan, it is common for mothers to share a room with their children, while fathers sleep separately.
Historical Context of Communal Sleeping
Communal sleeping is believed to have been the predominant sleeping arrangement throughout much of human history, providing warmth and a sense of security. Archaeological evidence, such as 77,000-year-old plant mattresses discovered in South Africa, suggests beds were large enough to accommodate entire families.
Pre-industrial societies also typically practiced communal sleeping. For example, the Hadza people of Tanzania sleep side-by-side in family groups within small huts. Research on the Hadza has shown that adults frequently wake during the night, with about 40% being awake or lightly dozing at any given time. This pattern may have served as a protective measure, ensuring someone was always alert to potential dangers. Despite these regular awakenings, the Hadza do not report sleep-related problems.
Drummond suggests that these findings imply individuals need not be overly concerned about occasional sleep disruptions caused by others. He concludes, “The reality is, everybody wakes up a few times every night – nobody sleeps 100 percent of the time.”
Journal reference: Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2026.01.003