So you've been short-changed in the sleep department due to sharing your bed? Can't remember the last time you got a good night's rest? I feel your pain! If your spouse, kids, or fur-babies are keeping you up at night, and you're wondering if it's healthy to sleep in separate beds, keep reading!

A while back, I shared a podcast and post about Living Apart Together while married. That must have struck a nerve for many since I've had so many questions in my inbox! Indeed, the idea of separate beds is trending. My husband and I lived in separate apartments for almost two years. Now we are back in the same house, but we get healthy sleep, each in our own room. Our relationship is healthier now, too.

Plus, I've been writing about a variety of sleep problems, the solution to poor sleep, and getting better sleep for years. One question people want to know is about sleeping in separate beds. Is it healthy? Does sleeping in separate beds help or hurt your relationship? I'll answer all your burning questions.

Reasons couples may want to have Separate Bedrooms

There are plenty of reasons why a married couple may choose to sleep in separate beds or even separate rooms. Here are a few I've heard of from readers...

* One person snores, has Sleep Apnea, or uses a CPAP machine, etc.* Temperature preferences differ (room and body temps)* Different sleep schedules (one is an early bird, one is a night owl)* Opposite work shifts * Insomniac (one partner has insomnia and therefore keeps the other awake)* One partner is a light sleeper* Kids want to sleep with mom* Restless leg syndrome * Different mattress preference (soft vs. firm)* Using a device (TV, Smartphone, Kindle) disturbs sleep

One of you may be a night owl, the other an early bird...

The topic has been even more pressing for some couples during the pandemic since people are spending more time at home due to covid. When you work, eat, and sleep together day after day for a year, you really start to test the strength of a relationship. If you are feeling resentful because your significant other is the cause of your sleep deprivation you may start dreaming of your own bed!

According to a recent survey, over a third of married couples say they'd rather get a good night's sleep than to continue sleeping with their partner. Does that resonate with you? Perhaps that's because sleep deprivation leads to other problems.

Negative Impact of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is associated with early aging. Weight gain, lower endurance levels, and fatigue are also a result of being chronically sleep-deprived. The demand for drugs to promote sleep is ever-increasing. In the US alone more than 55 million prescriptions were written in 2014. With these prescriptions come a dreadful collection of side effects. Anxiety, stress, and depression are often present in those who experience chronic insomnia. These conditions have a significant impact on circadian rhythms which negatively affect both sleep quality and duration. ~ Getting the Restorative Sleep You Need

Sleep experts suggest that a lack of sleep can lead to poor mental and physical health. So why wouldn't you want to do everything you can to eliminate sleep issues? Improve sleep quality by sleeping alone if that's what it takes. A sleep divorce could actually be good for your marriage.

Is it normal for married couples to sleep in separate beds?

What's normal? Nothing but a setting on your washing machine!