Sharing a bed: sleep solutions for couples

You’ll be spooning again in no time...

While some people claim they can’t get a good night’s sleep without their partner, anyone who shares a bed with a chronic snorer, sheet snatcher or shift-worker might not feel the same way. 

Bringing two different sets of sleep needs together can be tricky – and in some cases, it can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. So if your partner is noisy, restless, or has any annoying sleep habits, we’ve got a few game-changing tips that’ll make sharing a bed with them a dream.

Here’s what to do when one of you…

…has a whacky sleep schedule

Having a different sleep schedule is one of the toughest challenges bed-sharers can face. Night owls and early risers can sometimes find a way to meet in the middle, but when shift work is involved, it’s a whole different ball game. Let’s face it: waking up to the sound of your partner getting ready for work or returning home night after night is not fun. 

The Australian Sleep Health Foundation and Central Queensland University have published guidelines on how shift workers can develop healthy sleep practices. To help shift workers fall asleep during the day, they advise mastering the art of distraction with ear plugs, white noise or a sleep mask – and there’s no reason why you can’t try the same methods if your partner’s late-night or early-morning comings and goings are disturbing you. They’re old-fashioned yet simple solutions that can help you fall and stay asleep.

…is tossing and turning

Everyone’s guilty of tossing and turning sometimes, but if you’re sharing a bed with a restless sleeper, it can really ruin your beauty sleep. That’s no reason to kick your partner out of bed – instead, let your mattress be the solution. 

Mattresses like the Silent Partner Capella Mattress, for example, use a Motion Deflection Barrier to minimise partner disturbance. A memory foam mattress like the Forty Winks King Koil Chiro Resolve Mattress is also an excellent choice. The FlexGel Infused Memory Foam conforms to your body, helping to relieve pressure that can cause tossing and turning – with the added benefit of cool to touch gel.

…steals the covers

If you find yourself getting into a nightly tug-of-war with your partner, you can combat this by purchasing a bigger doona for your bed. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, invest in a king-size doona so there’s a little more wiggle room. 

Alternatively, do like the Scandanavians do. Ever heard of the Scandinavian sleep method? This is where each partner has their own separate doona – and it’s one of the best sleep hacks for couples. Not only does it prevent cover-snatching, those who run hot can regulate their own body temperature, while restless sleepers are less likely to disturb their partner.

…snores relentlessly

There’s nothing more annoying than the sound of snoring when you’re trying to drift off. The Sleep Health Foundation estimates at least 40 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women serenade the night at some point with their snoring. 

Snoring is caused by the vibration of the pharynx, a small muscle at the back of the throat that relaxes when you sleep. It can be influenced by alcohol and medications, as well as your weight and which position you sleep in (back sleepers, we’re looking at you). 

No matter what the cause, it can be a challenge to deal with. To remedy the situation, snorers can try sleeping on their side or invest in an adjustable mattress like the Forty Winks Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Revive Flex Adjustable Mattress. The inner spring mattress features the Titanium Align-Support system, which helps increase blood flow and decrease snoring, while providing extra support for the joints. 

Remember, if snoring is a big issue, it’s best to see your GP. 

…gets up frequently

While snoring can’t be controlled, there are some bad sleep habits that can be broken. If your partner gets up frequently during the night to use the bathroom or fetch a glass of water, you may find yourself waking up with them. The solution? Cut off fluids right before bed and keep a glass of water on your bedside table. 

…prefers a different kind of mattress

Are your mattress needs the complete opposite of your partner’s? It can be difficult to find a compromise when this happens. How on earth do you meet in the middle when one of you prefers mattresses that are soft and cloud-like, while the other needs plenty of support and an extra-firm feel to relieve pain or pressure? 

Thankfully, Forty Winks has a solution – our patented diagnostic system, bedMATCH® uses over 1000 scientific calculations that take into account an individual’s sleep style, sleeping habits and support needs. If you and your partner have opposing needs, you can have a bed specially made up to suit both of you using the MySide system. That way, you get two beds in one: one side is for you, and one’s for your partner.

Ready to get a better night’s sleep for you and your partner? Get a personalised sleep solution with MySide by bedMATCH®.