Tired of Blanket Hogging? The Scandinavian Sleep Method Can Save Your Relationship from Sleep Divorce

The night begins with two people sharing a conversation full of ideas, discussing how the day passed, and sharing intimacy and dreams. However, as the night passes, one partner often feels too hot while the other feels cold, and the blanket fight begins.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Conflicts over blankets, room temperature, and other sleeping habits are among the most common issues for couples worldwide. Validating the phrase 'modern problems require modern solutions', the new generation has explored various ways to handle blanket-hogging, including the concept of sleep divorce.

If you are tired of nightly arguments followed by groggy mornings, and thinking to opt sleeping in different rooms, it may be time to try the Scandinavian Sleep method first. While sharing a bed is a standard ritual, sharing a single bedsheet may not be as compulsory as you think. To understand this trending sleep approach among couples, we reached out to Mr S. Giriprasad, Psychologist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. Read on to discover how this interesting concept can save not only your nights but your relationship as well.

What Is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?

“The Scandinavian Sleep Method is a bedroom setup that allows for personal freedom while keeping you close, ensuring you get enough sleep,” reports the Cleveland Clinic. The Scandinavian sleep design entails an arrangement for couples who share a bed but utilise two separate duvets instead of one large shared blanket.

As shared by psychologist Mr S. Giriprasad, each person has their own cover, meaning they can turn, move, or adjust for individual warmth independently of each other. “This arrangement is very popular in countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and has recently been adopted by couples globally who experience 'blanket tug-of-war' conflicts that lead to disrupted sleep.”

Also Read: Can Sleep Apnea Impact Your Weight?

Benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method

Sleeping together is considered vital for couples, not only for physical intimacy but for emotional connection and hormonal regulation as well. However, sleep patterns and hygiene preferences often differ between individuals.

These differences can interrupt a partner's sleep, leading to irritability and arguments throughout the following day, which can strain the bond.

The Scandinavian Sleep Method offers a solution - sleep together, yet maintain the personal space to sleep exactly how you want.

Also Read: Can Sleep Divorce Harm Your Relationship?

Mr S. Giriprasad mentioned that using separate duvets significantly reduces disturbances caused by blanket-stealing, temperature disputes, or tossing and turning. Here are a few benefits of this trending setup shared by the psychologist:

• One partner can choose a duvet thickness suited to their body temperature; this is ideal for situations where one partner runs hot while the other feels cold.
• It eliminates micro-wake arousals - disturbances that you might not remember upon waking but which leave you feeling exhausted the next day.
• Without the need to fight for covers, individuals fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.
• This approach allows you to stay in the same bed and spend quality time together without sacrificing your sleep schedule. Unlike a sleep divorce, it prevents the emotional distance that can arise from sleeping in separate rooms.

Is It Better Than a Sleep Divorce?

A sleep divorce typically involves sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms due to snoring, restlessness, or conflicting schedules. The Scandinavian sleep solution offers a middle ground. “Couples can share the same bed and bedroom, maintaining their emotional connection without compromising the quality of their personal sleep,” Mr S. Giriprasad stated.

He also added that this approach settles the issues of blanket-stealing and temperature preferences, which are the primary reasons couples opt for a sleep divorce in the first place.

Also Read: Sleep Debt and Its Hidden Impact on Hormones, Heart and Kidneys, Expert Weighs In

Sleeping Together Strengthens the Bond

Reports suggest that good sleep is vital for mood control, stress management, cardiovascular health, and immune function. Sleeping with a partner can increase patience, reduce stress, and trigger the release of happy hormones, strengthening the relationship.

According to a report published in Science Direct, there is a strong link between couples sleeping together and their emotional health. Conversely, poor sleep is frequently associated with feelings of irritation and stress.

“The Scandinavian sleep technique promotes both restorative sleep and physical intimacy. Couples who practice this method tend to stay in bed together without compromise. This promotes better sleep quality, more quality time together, and can even help resolve certain sleep disruptions,” said Mr S. Giriprasad.

Bottomline

The Scandinavian Sleep Method is more than just a solution for nightly arguments; it helps you start your day on a positive note with your partner. Sleeping together builds trust and intimacy while benefiting individual health. While a sleep divorce may sacrifice these benefits, this viral sleep method provides a perfect middle ground. It ensures you get good-quality sleep while remaining close to your partner.