Do you roll solo in the sack? 30 percent of married or cohabitating people sleep in separate beds, reports a new study from Ryerson University.
Among the common reasons couples snooze separately: snoring, issues with kids, and incompatible sleep schedules, says study author Colleen Carney, Ph.D.
The two-bed setup doesn't necessarily signal relationship trouble. In fact, Carney says it may be a good idea in certain situations. For example, if your girlfriend’s a night owl and wakes you up every time she comes to bed late, you could wind up in a bad mood the next day—which has been shown to exacerbate relationship issues and your sex life.
However, if you're sleeping apart to avoid turmoil, your arrangement could be a symptom of something more serious, Carney says.
Before contemplating different beds, try a few tweaks to your sleep habits:
Spend a few minutes being the big spoon, then roll to your side of the bed—it’s difficult to get a good night’s sleep with your limbs interlaced.
Change your sheets regularly. She'll feel more comfortable, which helps her to doze off more quickly.
Keep your bedroom like a cave—dark and cool—to boost the production of melatonin, the hormone vital to your sleep cycle.
