Many couples are facing a new challenge in their relationships: getting a good night’s sleep together. From snoring and tossing to general restlessness (and small children!) these disturbances often push partners to seek separate bedrooms, a trend known as ‘sleep divorce.’ However, sleep expert Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, advises against this growing trend, stressing the importance of co-sleeping for emotional connection, conflict resolution, and overall well-being.
For those looking for an alternative to ‘sleep divorces’, some have found that the right mattress can make a significant difference. Many shoppers, for example, have praised the Simba Hybrid® Original mattress for easing night-time disturbances between couples. While buying a new mattress may seem like a big investment, for some, it has proven to be worthwhile in maintaining both sleep and their relationships.
A New Study on Sleep and Relationships
A recent study* by Simba highlights the generational divide in how sleep affects relationships. According to the research, more than 60% of young people in relationships (aged 18-34) believe that improving sleep would strengthen their connection with their partner. In contrast, only about 33% of Baby Boomers (aged 65 and older) felt that better sleep would have the same impact on their relationship.
Paul R, a customer, shared his experience:
“Last year, my girlfriend refused to stay over because she couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. She’s used to the finer things in life, and my cheap bed wasn’t cutting it. After buying a new mattress and some high-end sheets, she agreed to stay over again. Now, everything is great, and according to my Fitbit, I’m getting an extra hour of sleep each night. Thanks, Simba, for helping me save my relationship—I thought it was me she was avoiding, not the bed!”
The Sleep Divorce Debate
‘Sleep divorces’—where couples sleep in separate rooms—have become increasingly popular, especially among celebrities, as a way to cope with snoring, fidgeting, or other disturbances during the night. While this may provide short-term relief, experts like Lisa Artis believe it can come at a cost. Artis suggests that sleeping together offers benefits like emotional bonding and more restful sleep, pointing out that couples who share a bed get around 10% more and less fragmented REM sleep.
Simba’s research shows that 60% of Gen Z (aged 18-24) and nearly 67% of millennials (aged 25-44) believe better sleep can improve their relationship, but only 3 in 10 Baby Boomers (65+) agree. This highlights a significant shift in how different generations view sleep and its impact on their personal lives.
Customer Stories of Improved Sleep
Couples struggling with sleepless nights have found that the right mattress can make all the difference. Shoppers have shared their positive experiences, particularly with the Simba Hybrid® mattress, which some say has eased snoring and restlessness.
Julia G, for instance, reviewed her purchase:
“I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in years because my husband snores dreadfully due to a medical condition. But thanks to Simba, that’s a thing of the past. The snoring hasn’t completely gone, but it’s much improved, and I’m finally getting some proper sleep.”
Another customer, Naomi O, said,
“Somehow, my partner doesn’t snore anymore! I also barely notice him getting in and out of bed, so I’m not being disturbed at all. I just wish we’d invested in a Simba mattress sooner, but better late than never!”
Keith K, who chose a more premium option, the Hybrid® Pro mattress, also shared his experience:
“We’ve got a new baby, so we’re up a lot during the night. The mattress is so comfortable that we’ve loved sneaking in a cheeky afternoon nap—it’s hard to get back up! Plus, the top zips off for easy washing, which is a lifesaver with a baby. Massive thumbs up from both of us.”
Not Just a Trend—A Practical Solution
While some might dismiss the idea of a fancy mattress as an unnecessary expense, it’s worth noting that investing in a better sleep setup can have long-lasting benefits. A well-rested couple is often a happier couple, and for some, this investment is one that pays off.
Emma S, another customer, remarked:
“I don’t feel my partner moving at all, and he doesn’t complain about me fidgeting to get comfy. The mattress springs are great, and the fabric feels really nice. Plus, the free mattress protector is a bonus!”
For some, the addition of a quality duvet has also been a game-changer. Emma T noted:
“The 3-in-1 hybrid duvet is amazing. It’s not cheap, but it regulates temperature perfectly. I’m a warm sleeper, and my wife is always cold, but under this duvet, we’re both sleeping like babies.”
Expert Advice: Sleeping Together is Worth It
As sleep divorces rise in popularity, Lisa Artis urges couples to work on their shared sleep habits rather than opting for separate bedrooms. She encourages couples to “consciously recouple and sleep better together” instead of giving in to the temptation of sleeping apart. Co-sleeping, she believes, offers important emotional and physical benefits that go beyond simply getting rest.
Whether it’s investing in a new mattress, rethinking bedding options, or working on better sleep habits, the key takeaway is that good sleep is essential for maintaining healthy, happy relationships. After all, as one shopper put it, “I’m finally sleeping well—and I didn’t have to move into another bedroom to do it!”
21% off for young people, key and charity workers
This is a post in collaboration with Simba who are B Corp certified. Simba are on a mission to bring great sleep to the globe. But know times are tough and quality sleep products are costly. That’s why Simba offer exclusive discounts to several groups in the community such as key workers, students and others. Just check your eligibility here – you’ll find A Guide to UK Bed Sizes here too.
*Simba commissioned Sago to poll 2,017 respondents for the research.