The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women’s health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
The debate on sleeping next to your partner and having separate rooms or beds feels never-ending. Sharing the same space feels like a natural option, especially for long-term relationships. However, others may prefer the peace of sleeping alone.
Medically speaking, you would be surprised at how dozing side by side can enhance your and your partner’s health in the long run. However, it’s important to be in sync to actually make things work rather than make things worse. Here’s what sleeping next to your partner can contribute to your well-being.
Emotional Connection
When it comes to emotional health, it is good for loved ones to sleep together. About 43% of people already sleep in the same bed as their romantic partner. It increases feelings of safety and trust within the relationship. This also improves your intimacy and bonding, which is important to feel emotionally secure.
Cardiovascular Health
A stronger emotional connection usually means less stress. The lower these levels are, the better your cardiovascular health is. One study discovered that short-sleepers have a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease compared to those getting regular sleep. It’s especially true for people with poor sleep quality.
Sleep Quality
Sleep quality is a turning point for couples who decide whether they should sleep together or apart. Generally, feelings of love can release hormones known as oxytocin, which helps enhance your sleep satisfaction.
However, not all experts agree with this. A study found that greater closeness is not consistently connected to better sleep quality. Instead, it concludes that improving the relationship dynamics and minimizing conflict is effective at enhancing it. The finding suggests sleeping together may not be entirely necessary after all.
Sleep Synchronization
Another way to achieve sleep efficiency is having a shared rest schedule. Synchronizing the same time you go to bed could lead to better sleep patterns. However, some people may struggle with this. After all, not everyone has the same body clock.
Others may also have personal circumstances, like being more productive at night rather than in the morning. In these cases, it may be better for partners to sleep separately rather than disturb the others’ circadian rhythm.
Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia occurs beyond contrasting sleep patterns — people must also consider each other’s habits. For example, snoring, tossing and turning in your sleep can disrupt your partner’s slumber, especially if they’re a lighter sleeper. Body heat could also be an issue for some, as it can lead to discomfort and restless nights.
Medical Conditions
If your partner is sick with the flu or any other viral illness, it’s much better to keep your distance. They should stay in their own room where they can relax without worrying about spreading germs. You’re still more than welcome to take care of your partner, provided that you limit contact and keep your immune system up.
Put Your Health First
Sleeping next to your partner is better for your health if you are both on the same page about improving emotional and cardiovascular health and sleep quality. However, if disparities are keeping you two from getting rest, it may be time to explore other sleeping arrangements. Prioritize your health so you’ll have more energy for one another in the morning.
Resources:
YouGov. (2024, June) What is your current typical sleeping arrangement? https://today.yougov.com/topics/society/survey-results/daily/2024/06/01/e2ede/2
Kemin North America. (2023, March) 6 Ways Sleep Affects Your Overall Health. https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/blog/human-nutrition/sleep-affects-health
Science Direct. (2025, February) The association between couple relationships and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079224001229
Healthline. (2025, January) How Separate Bedrooms Saved My Sleep. And My Relationship. https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-problems-almost-destroyed-my-relationship-until-we-tried-the-extreme
WebMD (2024, July) Dos and Don’ts When Someone in Your House Is Sick. https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/stop-spread-cold-flu
