Are you and your partner getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night? According to some experts, not getting enough shut-eye can cause relationship problems, fatigue, and poor overall health and well-being. So, it’s time to abandon these five myths about sleep that aren’t helping you get a good night’s rest.
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1. Sex is Good for Sleep
You might think that a night of wild passion will help you sleep better, but according to WebMD, sex might actually interrupt your slumber. In an informal study by researchers, couples who had just had sex reported higher levels of arousal and activity during their nighttime hours than those who abstained from lovemaking before hitting the sack. What’s more, participants in the study who abstained from sex reported sleeping longer compared with those who indulged in late-night lovemaking.
2. Couples Must Sleep Together
While it’s commonly assumed that sleeping together is a key component of a healthy, happy relationship, it’s just not true. A 2017 survey showed that 72% of Americans believe sleeping together is important for a good relationship—but sleep experts say otherwise. According to research presented at Naturepedic, couples who are regularly disrupted by their partner’s snoring or movement may be more prone to depression and anxiety than those who don’t share a bed.
3. Sleeping Apart Means Something is Wrong in the Relationship
Couples sleeping in separate beds are more common than you think. Many couples sleep in separate beds, and that’s okay! It can actually be beneficial to both partners if done correctly. One study found that couples who sleep in separate beds tend to have longer marriages and higher levels of relationship satisfaction. You want a compromise that works for you and your partner.
4. Men Are Just Better Sleepers
Wrong. Women sleep just as well as men (although women do report worse sleep for a few years after having a baby). There have been studies showing that people in relationships tend to sleep better than those who are single or married. However, one key finding was that sleeping arrangements had no effect on how well someone slept. What did have an effect? How satisfied they were with their relationship.
5. Taking Naps in the Daytime is Bad
Napping improves your quality of sleep, thereby improving mood and performance. It’s okay to take a short power nap if you’re feeling groggy or exhausted — research has even shown that people who take naps perform better at cognitive tests than those who don’t. While it’s best to avoid napping for longer than 90 minutes (as studies show it can negatively impact sleep cycles), a quick 30-minute nap could be just what you need to get through an afternoon slump.
It’s tempting to share a bed with your partner. After all, there are plenty of benefits, like feeling more connected and able to help each other sleep better. However, sleeping in separate beds can help you get a better night’s rest and make your relationship stronger.