Sleep Better Together

Sleep is the most relaxing part of the day, but it can be a hassle when sharing a bed with a restless partner. Fortunately, a trending method from Scandinavia promises better slumber without resorting to a sleep divorce. 

What Is the Scandinavian Sleeping Method?

The Scandinavian sleeping trend uses two separate duvet covers to help decrease sleep distractions, such as blanket-hogging and tossing and turning. It provides bed partners autonomy over their bedding.  

A U.S. News & World Report study found almost half of Americans have a regular sleeping partner. However, a snoring partner affects 46% of people and 32% of respondents say blanket- hogging disrupts their sleep. 

The Scandinavian sleeping method helps lessen the risk of these issues. It can also help sleepers regulate their respective body temperatures, resulting in more restful sleep. Although blankets or comforters can be used, duvets are recommended. 

Many people also try this technique because of health issues that can complicate sleeping, such as sleep apnea, insomnia and erythromelalgia, a pain disorder. In these cases, opt for lightweight bedding made from a breathable material like linen, bamboo or eucalyptus. A top sheet can also help. 

The Scandinavian sleeping method can offer a variety of benefits: 

• Personalized sleeping experience: Individuals can seek out bedding to suit their needs for better sleep.
• Minimized disruptions: This sleeping method minimizes disturbance from a partner’s excessive tossing and turning. With individual duvets, partners can go to bed late or wake up early without disturbing the other person’s sleep.
• Compromise: The Scandinavian sleeping method offers an ideal solution for those who don’t want to sleep in separate rooms, but still provides the benefits of sleeping with your partner, such as reduced stress levels and increased emotional intimacy. 

However, there are some possible drawbacks. Making the bed might take longer, and buying two separate duvets may be costly. Separate covers also might not fit in a smaller bed. The method might not work for a light sleeper who easily wakes up from a partner’s movements.

How to Make Your Bed Scandinavian-Style

The rules are simple. Gather two separate duvets — each should cover half of the bed. You may opt for a breathable one while your partner wants a heavy comforter, or vice versa. Decide if you want a top sheet, then secure the sheets on the bed. Finish with your separate pillows and blankets.

Beth Rush is the fitness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about how women with PCOS can hack their exercise routines to balance hormones naturally. She covers topics like plant-based recipes for athletes and preaching the benefits of green exercise. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag.