Sharing a bed? Here’s what you need to know about partner disturbance 

Sharing a bed with a loved one can be comforting, helping you drift off to sleep every night. However, those who sleep next to a snorer, sheet stealer or chronic mover might not feel the same way.  

 How exactly do you ensure you’re both getting a great night’s sleep? In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about partner disturbance, some of the common issues and also tips for sleeping next to a disruptive partner. 

 What is partner disturbance? 

Partner disturbance is when the person you’re sharing the bed with causes you to have difficulty getting or staying asleep. From noises to movements and sleep behaviours, there are various factors that may cause a disturbance. These disturbances can accumulate during the night, keeping you awake for longer, which can have an impact on your health and wellbeing.  

What are the benefits of sleeping next to someone? 

There are plenty of benefits to sleeping next to a loved one, with positive impacts on your overall wellbeing and mental health. Touching and cuddling with your loved ones in bed can also help prompt the release of oxytocin (the love hormone), which can help you feel more relaxed, comfortable and secure. You might find you fall asleep faster, and sleep longer when sleeping with a partner that you feel safe and secure with.  

 Research has also found that those who share a bed may have increased and more stable REM sleep - the phase of sleep that’s responsible for storing information and retaining new memories.  

Common issues when sharing a bed  

While there are benefits, there are also some challenges to sharing a bed. From early alarms to tossing and turning, here are some common issues that partners face when sharing the bed:  

• Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea or insomnia 
• Movements like kicking, tossing and turning  
• Noises like snoring, talking in their sleep or heavy breathing 
• Temperature with different preferences, like how thick the quilt is or whether you run a fan 
• Light from a phone or lamp if your partner is up later 
• Limited bed space - especially if your partner stretches out 
• Different sleep schedules, with your partner coming to bed later or waking up earlier than you 
• Different mattress preferences with one partner preferring another feel to the other. 

How do you sleep with a disruptive partner? 

So, how exactly do you combat partner disturbance? Sharing a bed often means a balancing act between different sleep schedules and preferences. While disturbances can’t be completely avoided, there are a few things you can do to help you share a bed more comfortably.  

Tips for dealing with partner disturbance  

From refining your sleep environment to looking at your bedding, here are some tips to zero partner disturbance: 
 

• Set up your sleep environment for success. That may include changing the layout so that both people can get up from bed without climbing over the other, or ensuring that your environment is dark and cool.  
• Find a happy compromise with bedding. Find a quilt that works for both of you, or take up the Scandinavian sleep style and adopt having your own quilt.  
• Invest in a partner disturbance mattress, to minimise being shaken by their movement. Some mattresses can even be customised with a different feel on each side to suit different sleep preferences.  
• Consider a bigger bed, as more space between you can help with temperature regulation and crowding. Plus, it means you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and get into a comfortable sleeping position.   
• If noise or light is an issue, try earplugs or an eye mask. 
• Try to address any sleep issues by implementing a sleep routine to help unwind and relax. You can also talk to your medical professional about medications or more specific health issues.  

Balance your sleep needs for a better night’s rest 

There’s no denying that poor quality sleep can have an impact on your health and wellbeing, but it can also take a toll on your relationship. Prioritising a better night’s sleep for both you and your bed partner can leave you both feeling more rested. 

 If none of the above measures help get you the zzz’s you’re longing for, then you may decide to join the more than 200,000 Aussie couples who sleep in separate bedrooms. It’s a growing trend that proves that sleeping apart may in fact bring you closer together. 
 Want to learn more about getting the best sleep? Check out our blog for articles on everything you need to know about sleep - from napping to how to fall asleep faster.