You and your partner are compatible in every way – well almost every way. When you’re out of the bedroom, things are great. In the bedroom, though it’s a different story. If you and your partner have different sleep styles, I can negatively affect your quality of sleep
and your relationship.
Cuddling with your partner is a great way to connect at the end of a long day, but if you or your partner aren’t sleeping well, it takes a toll on the relationship as well as your quality of sleep. If you want to keep your sleeping hours as happy as your waking hours here are some relationship solutions for behind closed doors:
- Some like it hot. If you and your partner disagree on the temperature the bedroom should be, that can cause problems. To really get a good night’s sleep, your bedroom should be between 60-65 degrees. If that’s too cold for one of you add an extra blanket to your side of the bed or invest in a dual control electric blanket.
- Just for kicks. If your partner is restless in bed and kicks you in his or her sleep, this is obviously going to disrupt your sleep. Consider buying a larger mattress so you have enough room as possible.
- Just lay still. If you or your partner tosses and turns all night long, that could be a sign that your mattress is uncomfortable. If your mattress is more than five years old, it could be time to replace it.
- Too much noise. If your partner snores, not only does that keep you awake but it could mean that he or she has a serious sleep health problem. Look into alternative treatments like, nasal strips to keep your airways open or anti-snoring pillows. If that doesn’t help, you might want to think about talking with your doctor as your partner could be suffering from sleep apnea or any number of other sleep disorders. A trip to a sleep specialist might also be in order to address sleep problems.
- I need some space. If your partner is a cuddler and you only want to hug your pillow or the side of the bed, compromise. Cuddle before you fall asleep but move to your own sides after a while.
- Night owl versus early bird. If your sleep schedules don’t match, that may or may not pose a problem other than you might be disturbed when your partner comes to bed if you’ve already been in there for a while. To address this difference, it’s typically a matter of being considerate of the partner who’s still in bed.
- Sleep and sex only. Your bedroom should be used for these two purposes, exclusively. Even if your house or apartment isn’t large enough to accommodate a separate space for your laptop or work space, you need to remove all vestiges of the workday from the bedroom before you turn in. Having electronics in your bedroom keeps the brain stimulated and is not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
If you and your partner try to incorporate some of these changes to make your sleep time more productive, and still find you can’t sleep or if your partner snores a lot, you might want to consider a sleep study.
Since 2002, Valley Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, has provided Arizona with diagnostic sleep disorder testing in a home-like atmosphere, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing experience for patients. Their Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists consist of experienced and knowledgeable physicians who provide expert advice across a multitude of sleep related disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, sleepwalking, and pediatric sleep problems. They accept most insurance plans as well as Medicare. For more information contact Lauri Leadley at 480-830-3900; https://valleysleepcenter.com
