Co-sleeping 101: Sharing Your Bed With a Partner and Staying Comfortable
Sharing a bed with a partner can be one of the best ways to fall asleep at night. After all, sleeping next to the one you love can offer a sense of peace, calm, and safety. Despite all the wonderful feelings that come with sharing a bed, it doesn't take long for couples to notice the little nuances that pop up night after night.
If you don't deal with differing opinions on temperature, bedding types, and mattress firmness, it won't take long for your sound sleep to become not so sound.
A good night’s rest always starts with high-quality linens. Shop the collection of the best linen sheets at South Shore Fine Linens. In addition to investing in the right bedding sets, we’ve got some great co-sleeping tips every adult should know.
If you have trouble sleeping with a partner in a comfortable bed, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn how you and your partner can get a better night’s rest.
Having Trouble Falling Asleep When You Share a Bed? Here’s Why
Falling asleep next to your partner every night is a dream to many. But, if you don't pay attention to your body's unique needs, it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
The main reason couples have trouble falling asleep while in the same bed is that they're not comfortable. After a long day, falling asleep and getting comfortable can be difficult if your body doesn't like the environment it's in.
Common annoyances that will keep you from falling asleep when you share a bed with someone include:
- A snoring partner
- A partner tossing and turning during the middle of the night
- Your mattress firmness
- The type and material of the bedding you use
- Uncomfortable sleep positions
Get a Great Night's Sleep Even if You Share a Bed: Here’s How
Even if you and your partner have differing opinions on comfort and what it looks like during sleep time, you can still get a great night's rest. Here are some simple tips every couple should implement in order to get a great night's rest every night.
1. Understand Your and Your Partner’s Comfort Needs
Learning how to sleep better with your partner starts with understanding their needs and their definition of comfort.
For some people, cozying up in a thick comforter is the best way to fall asleep, while others might prefer using a thin bed sheet. When you know what your comfort needs are for a good night's rest, you can express those needs. This way, both you and your partner can find a compromise, or the two of you can sort out another solution.
2. Invest in a Split Mattress
Mattress firmness is another one of the main factors that determines whether you'll have a good night's rest or not. Some people prefer sleeping on a really firm mattress, while others prefer a mattress that hugs their every curve.
One of the best ways to customize mattress firmness for you and your partner is by investing in a split mattress. A split mattress is made up of two separate mattresses that each measure 30 by 80 inches. When put together, these split mattresses make up a full-size queen bed at 60 by 80 inches. Need more space? Split mattresses are also available in king sizes as well.
A split mattress is an excellent investment because each person can shop for a mattress that meets their firmness needs. While you're still sharing the same bed, each individual gets a bed designed for their body’s needs.
Depending on the brand you choose, some split mattresses allow you to further customize each mattress so that individuals can customize the temperature, mattress firmness, angle, and so much more. To learn more, check out these split mattresses from the popular brand Tempurpedic.
3. How to Control Temperature When You Share a Bed
The temperature of your bed is another significant factor when trying to get cozy after a long day. Mattress temperature can be impacted by a variety of things:
- Overall bedroom temperature from air conditioning or heating units
- The type of bedding you are using to cover yourself, including duvets, quilts, and sheets
- Your body’s natural temperament to heat or cold
Luckily, there are several things you can do to control the temperature and get a good night’s rest. If you’re able to, start by reaching a compromise that allows you and your partner to set the thermostat at a temperature that works for you both.
If that doesn't do the trick, you’ll need to focus your attention on the bedding set you are using. Cheap bedding sets made of polyester or fleece can do more harm than good as they don’t do a good job circulating air.
To get optimal comfort, invest in a high-quality adult bedding set made of premium materials. Materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo all help circulate the flow of air without hanging on to too much heat or moisture. As far as bamboo, linen, and cotton sheets go, each offers its own unique texture and feel. However, each is comfortable and great at regulating moisture and heat.
To trap in more heat without adding moisture, use duvet covers made of cotton and duvets filled with natural fillers, such as wool, cotton, and feather down.
To optimize your bed so that you and your partner maintain uniquely comfortable temperatures, start by using a fitted sheet made out of premium cotton or linen. Then, you and your partner can customize the bedding by using duvets, blankets, or thin sheets to cover yourselves, allowing you to get the best sleep possible.
4. Create a Device-Free Bedroom
Sometimes the biggest distraction in getting a good night's rest is not the bedding or bedroom itself, but rather your electronic devices. Studies show that staying up on your devices can hinder your ability to get a good night’s rest.
Keeping electronic devices out of your bedroom eliminates the temptation to reach for them as you're trying to get to sleep. Blue light from cell phones, laptops, and tablets can interfere with your body's natural ability to wind down for the night.
Do yourself a solid and set up a designated electronic charging spot for your devices in your living room or a spare bedroom. If that's not an option, try to place your electronics in the corner of your bedroom that’s furthest away from your bed.
5. Get a Bigger Bed
If you have difficulty falling asleep next to your partner, getting a bigger bed might be the secret to getting a good night's rest. For some people, feeling confined in bed space and not having the ability to stretch around limits the ability to get into a comfortable position.
If your partner is prone to moving around and switching sleep positions throughout the night, you're more likely to wake up because of their movements. Swapping out your queen bed for a king-size or even California king-size bed can be a great way to minimize those movements.
Sharing a Bed With a Partner FAQs
You’ve got questions, and we've got answers. Check out these FAQs about sharing a bed with a partner and staying comfortable.
How do I make my bed comfortable with sheet sets?
Investing in a high-quality, luxurious bedding set is the best way to maximize your comfort for a good night's rest. Quality bed sets are made out of premium materials, including cotton, linen, or bamboo. These fibers help to circulate air, keeping you cool and comfortable through the night.
Is a queen size bed enough for two people?
If you and your partner are not animated sleepers and don't require much sleep, a queen-size can be a good fit. Some individuals prefer to have extra space around them and might be more comfortable in a king-sized bed.
Suni. E, (2022) Technology in the Bedroom
Tempurpedic. (2022)
