What Is a Sleep Divorce?

If your sleep is interrupted on a regular basis by your spouse’s snoring, tossing, and turning all through the night, or the two of you have very different sleep schedules, the lack of sleep can put a strain on your relationship, particularly if this is an ongoing pattern. Before this causes problems beyond fixing, you and your spouse may want to consider a sleep divorce. The concept of a sleep divorce is growing in popularity.

The idea behind a sleep divorce is that you sleep in separate rooms, which allows you to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling well-rested. Ultimately, a sleep divorce can prevent an actual divorce if you can get a solid night’s sleep regularly. However, if your marital problems are more complicated than incompatible sleep patterns, you may want to consider contacting an experienced divorce lawyer.

How Common Are Sleep Divorces?

While there is still a stigma associated with sleeping in a different room from your spouse, the concept of a sleep divorce is becoming more common. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than one-third of people say that they sleep in another room. In addition, the National Sleep Foundation also found that close to one in four couples in the United States sleep in separate rooms or beds. Sleep divorce is most common among millennials, and baby boomers are least likely to sleep in separate rooms. While the term “sleep divorce” may have a negative connotation, it can positively impact a couple’s relationship if both spouses are on board and are doing it for the benefit of their marriage.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Sleep Divorce?

For the most part, the advantages of a sleep divorce outweigh the disadvantages, but it may not be right for all couples. The following are some of the disadvantages of sleeping in separate rooms:

• It could negatively impact intimacy. While some couples benefit from sleeping in separate rooms, others may feel disconnected from their spouse, particularly if they are intimate less often. In addition to intercourse, sleeping in different rooms means that there is less cuddling, talking about the day, or other types of intimacy that are beneficial to the relationship.
• It can be more expensive. If you decide to sleep separately, you will have to consider the cost of purchasing a quality mattress for the other room and a bed frame, bedding, and other furniture and accessories to decorate the room. New furniture and bedding can cost thousands of dollars.

Our Annapolis Divorce Lawyers at Oliveri & Larsen Help Clients Navigate the Divorce Process

If your marriage is no longer working, despite trying a sleep divorce and a range of other tactics to resolve your issues, it is highly recommended that you contact our Annapolis divorce lawyers at Oliveri & Larsen as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 410-295-3000 or complete our online form. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, we serve clients in Ocean City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County, Worcester County, Kent County, and the upper and lower Eastern Shores of Maryland.