The Science Behind The Family Bed: How Size Impacts Sleep Quality

Chances are, you've slept on a small mattress at some point—whether while traveling, visiting friends or family, or even in your own home. And chances are, you weren't all that comfortable. Perhaps you woke up with a sore back, tangled in sheets, or teetering on the edge, desperate for more space. If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone.

A small bed can significantly restrict your movements and leave you tossing and turning throughout the night. The impact of mattress size extends beyond comfort. Research shows that the size of your bed can affect sleep quality, relationship dynamics, and even your overall well-being. So, if you’re waking up groggy or at odds with your partner over space, it might be time to consider how your mattress size affects your life.

In this guide, we’ll examine the science behind the family bed and how choosing the right size can lead to better sleep and stronger relationships.

Why is Sleep Quality Important?

Sleep quality is not just about how many hours you spend in bed. It’s about how well you sleep during those hours. Good sleep quality means you fall asleep quickly, stay asleep without disturbances, and wake up feeling refreshed. Poor sleep can lead to feeling tired all the time, irritability, and trouble concentrating during the day.

When you get good sleep, your body can repair itself, your brain processes information better, and you wake up feeling ready to tackle the day. Sleep quality is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health, and it affects everything from your mood to your immune system. If you consistently wake up feeling groggy or tired, it might be time to consider a bigger mattress, like a family bed.

Does Mattress Size Matter

Mattress size does matter—especially when you’re sharing the bed with your partner and/or kids. A sleep study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that many adults experience sleep disturbances due to cramped sleeping spaces. A small bed can restrict movement and lead to a lack of comfort, which in turn affects sleep hygiene. You may be unable to fall asleep and stay asleep if you're uncomfortable or feel cramped in a small space.

Reasons Bigger Beds are Better

So, why does having a larger bed matter? Let’s dive into the benefits.

More Space for Comfort

Ergonomic studies found that couples sleep better in bigger beds. Before the trials, only 15% of participants said they’d buy a bed larger than the standard bed. But afterward, the number shot up by 50%.

A larger mattress provides more room to move around, stretch, and find a comfortable sleeping position. If you’ve ever felt cramped in a small bed, you know how frustrating it can be. With more space, you’re less likely to disturb your partner or be disturbed by their movements. This freedom of movement can significantly improve your sleep quality and ensure a luxurious sleep experience every night. For older adults or those with certain health conditions, the added comfort makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

You’ll Spend a Third of Your Life in Bed

An average person spends about one-third of their life either sleeping or attempting to do so. It sounds crazy, but if you think about it, if you’re going to spend that much time in bed, you may as well be as comfortable as possible. You might have a small home, but that doesn’t mean your bed must be small, either. Find the largest mattress bed frame that’s fits perfectly in your space and enjoy your good night’s sleep.

Fewer disruptions at Night

When sharing a small bed, even the slightest movement from your partner can wake you up. And considering an average human toss and turns 37 to 40 times while sleeping, that’s a lot of waking up in a single night. A larger mattress like the family bed minimizes these disturbances by providing ample space for everyone.

The extra room makes you less likely to feel your partner’s movements, allowing you to sleep soundly. Fewer disturbances lead to longer periods of uninterrupted sleep, enhancing overall sleep quality.

It Reduces Nighttime Conflicts

More than a third of couples in the US have opted for sleep divorce, which is a decision to sleep in separate rooms. They do so to avoid conflicts that arise due to issues like different sleep schedules, insomnia, snoring, blanket hogging, etc. But we all know how important sleeping together is for couples.

The closeness promotes bonding and reduces stress, among other benefits. A family bed can remedy the need for sleeping in different rooms because it allows you to enjoy closeness without feeling cramped.

In fact, research shows that sleeping well together can be the key to better relationships at home. Researchers from the University of Arizona found that those who shared a bed with a partner most nights reported fewer negative effects. They had less fatigue, less severe insomnia, and more sleep time than those who didn’t share a bed. They also fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer after falling asleep, and had a lower risk of sleep apnea.

Support for Sleep Hygiene

A larger bed supports good sleep hygiene, which refers to the habits and practices that contribute to quality sleep. It offers a comfortable and spacious environment that promotes healthy sleep patterns. Even if your partner is a night owl who uses their phone well into the night, or reads a book by the bedside, they’re very unlikely to disrupt your sleep.

The big bed also allows you to customize your side to match your sleeping needs – making it easy to maintain a healthy internal clock. And if you or your partner struggles with obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders, a larger bed can provide the space you need to find a comfortable position that may reduce symptoms.