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'SLEEP DIVORCE' IS THE LATEST SLEEP TREND EMBRACED BY CELEBS, SAVING MARRIAGES AND RELATIONSHIPS 16:32, 20 May 2025 Sleeping in separate beds might sound like a sign of trouble in
paradise – but could it actually be the secret to a healthier relationship? A solid night's sleep is the pillar of good health, and according to experts, it might even help to save a
relationship. 'Sleep divorce' – where partners choose to sleep in separate beds or bedrooms – is becoming increasingly popular, embraced by several celebrities, including Katherine
Ryan. On the latest episode of her podcast 'What’s My Age Again?' the comedian chatted with her guest Bryony Gordon about sleeping arrangements, and Bryony shared that: "I
like my sleep. I think sharing a bed with your husband is overrated." Katherine then revealed that she doesn't share a bed with her husband – and instead spends most nights
sleeping in her children's nursery. Article continues below Here's what sleep experts say about 'sleep divorce' and its impact on sleep, wellbeing, and relationships.
POSSIBLE REASONS FOR A 'SLEEP DIVORCE' "Good-quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing, increasing energy levels, improving mood, and promoting better
overall health," says Dr Hana Patel, NHS GP and resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep. "A sleep divorce can help couples to address potential sleep disruptions such as snoring or
restlessness," Dr Patel adds. Snoring is the number one disruption for getting a good night’s sleep, according to research by the National Bed Federation. "This research also found
that 38 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women quoted snoring as the number one reason for a sleep divorce," says Dr Ryan Cheong, ENT consultant and sleep surgeon at Cleveland Clinic
London. Things like fidgeting and different sleeping patterns can also disrupt co-sleeping, Dr Cheong says. "Also, if your partner has very strong, different preferences for their
sleeping environment, like temperature, light exposure, mattress comfort or material, then that can be an issue as well," he adds. When is it time to consider a 'sleep
divorce'? According to Dr Patel, "If you are finding that sleeping with your partner is causing you to experience chronic lack of sleep, and you find that your health and wellbeing
are suffering as a result, it may be time to consider a sleep divorce.” IS IT POSSIBLE TO SLEEP BETTER NEXT TO A PARTNER? Some people may find they actually sleep better next to someone
else, and there is some evidence this. "Research suggests that there’s a 10 per cent increase in rapid eye movement sleep when we’re co-sleeping," explains Dr Cheong. The REM
phase, also known as rapid eye movement, is when the brain processes memories and emotions and is the sleep phase responsible for dreaming. "The discussions about why this might be the
case stems from the social aspect of human evolution, that we tend to be quite social creatures in nature, and having a partner, and in this case a bed partner, gives us the sense of
security," he adds. HOW TO INITIATE A 'SLEEP DIVORCE' "As long as the discussion and the request is coming from a place of respect, love and understanding, then it’s more
likely to be received well by your bed partner when the subject is brought up," says Dr Cheong. Dr Patel recommends testing out sleeping separately for a short period of time to see
how it works. Article continues below "Whilst some may assume that a sleep divorce hinders bedroom intimacy between couples, in fact, it can significantly enhance intimacy and the
overall quality of a couple’s sex life, particularly for those in long-term relationships," Dr Patel says. "This is because increased energy levels and improved mood from better
sleep are important factors in encouraging a healthy libido," she adds.