By Rudo Kemp, Founder of Sloom
Sharing a bed with your partner is one of the most intimate aspects of a relationship. It is where you unwind after a long day, reconnect, and share the simple joy of being close. Yet, as wonderful as it sounds, co-sleeping can also bring its fair share of challenges. From snoring to blanket battles, sharing a bed often becomes a delicate balance between love and logistics.
Let’s take a closer look at the struggles couples face when sharing a bed and, more importantly, how to navigate them to ensure better sleep and a stronger connection.
The Most Common Bed-Sharing Struggles
SNORING
Few things are as disruptive to a peaceful night as the sound of snoring. Whether it is soft murmurs or thunderous roars, snoring can leave the non-snoring partner frustrated and sleepless. Snoring often stems from sleep positions, nasal blockages, or even health conditions like sleep apnea.
DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE PREFERENCES
One of you likes to snuggle under a thick duvet, while the other sleeps with a fan on year-round. Balancing these opposing preferences can be tricky, especially when temperature plays such a big role in sleep quality.
SPACE HOGGING
If you have ever woken up clinging to the edge of the mattress while your partner sprawls out like a starfish, you are not alone. Uneven space distribution is a common complaint among couples, particularly on smaller beds.
TOSSING AND TURNING
Whether it is due to stress, an uncomfortable mattress, or just a restless sleeper, tossing and turning can disrupt your partner’s sleep as much as your own.
SPLIT PREFERENCES IN MATTRESS FIRMNESS
A bed that feels like a cloud to one person might feel like a trampoline to another. Differing needs for mattress firmness or support can leave both partners dissatisfied.
DIFFERENT SLEEP SCHEDULES
Maybe one of you loves early mornings, while the other thrives at night. These mismatched rhythms can make it hard to share a bed peacefully.
CO-SLEEPING WITH PETS OR CHILDREN
While snuggling up with pets or letting kids climb into bed can feel comforting, it often results in crowded sleeping arrangements and disrupted sleep for everyone.
Why These Struggles Matter
Sharing a bed is not just about sleep; it is about connection. When bed-sharing struggles go unresolved, they can cause more than just sleepless nights. Partners may feel irritable, distant, or even resentful over time. Sleep is crucial for physical health, emotional well-being, and maintaining harmony in a relationship. Addressing these challenges is not just about comfort; it is about nurturing your bond.
Practical Solutions for Peaceful Co-Sleeping
SNORING SOLUTIONS
Snoring does not have to be a dealbreaker. Simple fixes like nasal strips or changing sleep positions can help reduce snoring. For persistent or loud snoring, it is worth consulting a healthcare professional, as it could indicate sleep apnea or other health concerns.
TEMPERATURE COMPROMISES
A dual-temperature approach can make a big difference. Use separate blankets or opt for bedding designed to regulate temperature. With a Sloom mattress, you can also flip the memory foam layer to the cooler latex side, providing a breathable option that keeps both partners comfortable.
CREATING SPACE
If space is the issue, upgrading to a larger mattress or clearly defining personal space can help. A king-sized bed (or even the iconic Cape Town King) can provide room for everyone to stretch out without feeling cramped.
MINIMISING MOVEMENT DISRUPTIONS
A mattress with motion isolation can reduce the impact of tossing and turning. This way, one partner’s movements will not disturb the other’s sleep.
SPLIT COMFORT PREFERENCE
A customisable mattress is an ideal solution for couples with different firmness needs. Sloom’s split comfort mattress allows each partner to tailor their side for the perfect level of support.
SYNCHRONISING SLEEP SCHEDULES
Even if your schedules do not match, winding down together can help bridge the gap. Spend a few minutes talking or cuddling before one of you stays up or goes to sleep. White noise machines or earplugs can also help block out disturbances.
CO-SLEEPING BOUNDARIES
If pets or kids are part of your bed-sharing struggles, it might be time to set some boundaries. Encourage children to sleep in their own beds and create cosy spaces for pets nearby rather than in the bed or if all else fails get a Cape Town King bed setup to allow space for the whole family.
The Benefits of Getting It Right
When you address bed-sharing struggles, you are not just improving your sleep. You are investing in your relationship. Better sleep leads to better moods, less stress, and more patience, all of which strengthen your bond. A peaceful, comfortable bed becomes a place of connection and rest, rather than a source of tension.
CONCLUSION | Every couple faces challenges when sharing a bed, but with a little effort and the right solutions, you can overcome them. At Sloom, we believe that sleep is not just about the mattress; it is about the relationships and moments built around it.