Is there anything more fulfilling than starting a new life with your love? I guess not, but as you two get into each other's spaces, you'll likely encounter a few challenges along the way. And one of those is perhaps the least you expected – sleeping together.
That sounds like "taboo" because, after all, what could be more natural than falling asleep next to your partner? However, sharing a bed can bring up unexpected issues, from differing sleep schedules and habits to comfort preferences and personal space needs. These factors can affect the quality of your sleep and, subsequently, your relationship.
So, in this guide, we'll explore ways you and your partner can find harmony in your shared sleep spaces. But before we do that, let's look at some common issues you'll likely encounter when sleeping together at night.
Common Challenges That New Couples Face When Sleeping Together
Before you start feeling frustrated, you should know that you are not alone. Most couples have had to deal with at least one or more of these issues. The secret to a happier marriage is finding a balance – or something that works for both of you. And in our experience, a family bed is often an excellent remedy. We'll talk more about the Family Bed later in this article.
Meanwhile, let's look at some of the challenges:
One of You Snores
Snoring is hands down one of the most common issues couples face – and understandably so. When one of you snores, it means that the other will have a hard time falling or staying asleep. The constant loud snoring can lead to sleep disturbances and make it impossible to rest easy. If this continues for a while, the affected person will end up with all sorts of issues arising from poor sleep quality.
One of You Tosses and Turns A Lot
Staying on sleep disorders, it could be that one of you turns and tosses a lot. The thing about shared sleep spaces is that if one partner moves, the motion tends to transfer throughout the bed, affecting the other. So, unless your mattress is designed to minimize motion transfer, the constant tossing and turning could quickly become a nightmare.
One of You is a Blanket Hogger
As new couples, you want to cuddle under the same duvet. But when your partner is a blanket hogger, you'll always wake up in the middle of the night to find they have taken all the covers. This means you will always shiver and be uncomfortable unless you decide to use separate covers, which again isn't so good for intimacy.
One of You Sleeps Hot or Cold
Temperature preference is also a big challenge. One of you might prefer a cool sleeping surface while the other likes it warm. The difference can lead you or your loved one to sleep hot when they prefer cold and vice versa, and that can disrupt their sleep.
You Have Different Sleep Schedules
Having different sleep schedules can be tricky to navigate. If one of you is a night owl and the other an early bird, finding a compromise can be difficult. The one who stays up late might disturb the early sleeper when coming to bed, and the early riser might wake the other up too soon.
What You Can Do To Mitigate These Challenges
These challenges might seem like a big deal, but they actually aren't. In fact, you can quickly resolve most of them by getting a family bed. A family bed is a larger-than-average bed that provides extra space for both partners – along with kids and even your pets. The full size makes it easier to coexist harmoniously at night. With a family bed, you get:
Extra Space for Comfort
It offers more space so that you can sleep further apart if needed. The extra distance can minimize the impact of snoring on the non-snoring partner. It also has more room to move without disturbing each other. So, if one of you is a restless sleeper, the other won't be jostled awake every time they shift positions. It's a simple way to keep the peace – and your sleep – intact. The same applies to when one of you is a night owl and the other an early bird.
Adjustable Base Options
Some family beds come with adjustable bases that let you set your side of the bed how you like it. Want to elevate your head a bit to help with snoring or just for reading in bed? No problem. You can adjust the head or foot of the bed with ease. It's perfect for personalizing your comfort or aligning your spine if you have obstructive sleep apnea.
Temperature Preference
One of you likes it cool, the other likes it warm – sound familiar? In a family bed, you can use different blankets on each side. That way, you can have a lighter cover while your partner snuggles under something thicker. Everyone stays comfortable and happy.
Less Stress and Better Health
We all know that sleep deprivation can be detrimental to our overall health. When you rest well, everything seems better – you're happier and more productive. That means you show up better in your marriage, enhancing marital quality. In addition to relationship quality, sleep health also improves your overall well-being.
Practical Tips for Using a Family Bed
When buying a family bed:
- Choose the right size: The bed should be large enough to provide ample space for both of you. King and California King are popular options, but some manufacturers offer larger sizes designed for family use, such as the Family Bed by Taylor & Wells.
- Invest in quality mattresses: Consider getting a mattress that minimizes motion transfer to ensure that movements from one side don't disturb the other. It should accommodate your sleep position as well as your partner's. Split mattresses with adjustable bases can also be a great choice.
- Personalize your bedding: Use separate blankets or duvets, and consider dual-zone heating and cooling mattress pads or electric blankets to cater to different temperature preferences.
- Explore adjustable bases: Look into beds with adjustable bases that allow you to independently adjust the head and foot positions on each side. This can be especially helpful for managing snoring and sleep apnea.
There's no need to get a separate bed. As you can see, a Family Bed resolves the many common sleep challenges. With extra space for comfort, separate bedding zones, and adjustable base options, you can accommodate different sleeping positions, temperature preferences, and sleep schedules. Plus, it's perfect for a growing family!
