Sleep Solutions: Bedtime Battles

Most couples spend more time in bed together than anywhere else. But with the average person moving 40-60 times during the night, blissful sleep is merely a dream. Restless sleep, snoring, sleep disorders and differing nighttime habits can all add up to trouble between the sheets. Are we suggesting that couples should split up at night? Of course not. Couples can learn to be compatible sleep partners through compromise, lifestyle changes and healthy bedtime routines. Follow the sleeping survival tips below and chart a course for peaceful nights:

• Snoring is by far the number one complaint, especially among women. Hormones in women help to curb snoring, but a narrow airway passage in men makes them more susceptible to the affliction. Thus, 60% of all men between the ages of 40-64 snore on a regular basis. A well designed, supportive sleep surface and a posture friendly pillow to keep the neck aligned and airway open might just do the trick. If all else fails, try sewing a pocket into the back of a t-shirt and slip a tennis ball inside to keep your husband off his back. Snoring occurs less frequently in side sleepers.
• Establish a regular sleep routine that coincides with your partner. Go to bed at the same time each night, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Your body has naturally occurring times where it feels sleepy. Get in tune with these signals and set your schedule accordingly. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine will help you to sleep more soundly, reducing tossing and turning, and in turn the number of times that you disturb your partner during the night.
  Don’t argue in the bedroom. Try to save this room for relaxing, enjoyable activities. Don’t pay the bills, for example while sitting up in bed, no matter how tired you are. Avoid watching disturbing things on television that are likely to keep you tossing and turning at night.
• Both people should have a say in what their sleep environment is like. From the color of the room to the floor coverings to the type of bed that is used. Generally, if you have the space, a king size bed is best, but again, this is a decision that must be made with your partner.