Different people have different sleeping habits, and you and your bed partner may not always be on the same page. If your better half keeps you awake at night, you aren’t alone — one in three Americans report that their partner negatively affects their sleep. Even a bit of blanket-hogging can be really annoying if you’re a light sleeper, to the point where you may consider getting two separate duvets or even separate beds. No matter how much you love them, if your sleep partner snores, tosses and turns, or steals the blanket, they can significantly impact your sleep quality.
If you’re at your breaking point but aren’t ready to commit to a sleep divorce, the Scandinavian sleep method may drastically improve your and your partner’s sleep at night.
Also, don’t miss our editors’ favorite sleep tips, how to tackle anxiety before bed and whether tech can help you sleep better.
What is the Scandinavian sleep method?
The Scandinavian sleep method is common in certain parts of the world, such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark and other parts of Europe. The idea is simple: Instead of sharing a blanket at night, you and your partner each have your own. It’s not about avoiding intimacy or sacrificing a part of your relationship. It’s about prioritizing your sleep needs so that both of you can wake up well-rested and energized.
Most people use two twin-size comforters or duvets for the Scandinavian sleep method. This sleeping style typically works best on king mattresses, which give the separate blankets the most room, but queen mattresses work fine for most people.
Traditionally, you forgo the shared flat sheet for this. If you’re like me and love flat sheets, you can always opt for two flat sheets in addition to separate blankets. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Two comforters can help you sleep better
Sharing a comforter with your partner might not be the best option for your needs, and that’s OK. Sleep is inherently a single-player sport. It’s not something you are required to share with your partner. For many people, sharing a blanket might not be the best move for your sleep quality. One study found that sharing comforters results in 30% more interrupted sleep.
By each having their own blanket, the half-asleep tug-of-war battle is eliminated, and so are all the times you wake up because you’re cold and blanketless. You also can adjust positions at night without worrying about affecting your partner.
Remember that the Scandinavian sleep method isn’t reserved just for those who live with a blanket hogger. It’s a good option for anyone who tosses and turns or has a different sleeping pattern that may wake up their partner.
