How to combat the pitfalls of bed-sharing

Sharing a bed with your partner may be seen as the ultimate sign of romantic bliss, but the sad fact is that for many couples it can be the cause of major issues. Problems such as heavy snoring, duvet-hogging and incompatible sleeping positions can make a restful nights sleep impossible – which could be poison in a long term relationship.

There are ways to combat most of these problems though. The first step should be to have a frank discussion with your partner about the issues you’re having. Avoid placing blame – the vast majority of annoying sleep habits, such as snoring and rolling around too much, can’t be helped.

If you have problems with personal space, you could benefit from a bigger bed. If you or your partner like to spread out in your sleep, or tend to move around, upgrading from a standard double to a queen or king size should provide both of you with ample space.

Another simple solution that surprisingly few people think of is to replace your double duvet with two singles. By doing this you can still share your bed, but when the time comes to go to sleep you no longer have to worry about duvet-hogging or flailing limbs. Snuggling together under the same duvet may seem like the romantic ideal, but the fact is that it just isn’t practical for every couple, and this could be the perfect compromise to prevent you from having to resort to separate beds.

Heavy snoring can be a more tricky proposition, but if it’s truly unbearable then it’s worth seeking medical advice, there are often measures that can be taken to combat the problem. For example some heavy snoring is the result of allergies, or being overweight. If this is the case, a few simple lifestyle changes could be all it takes to ensure a lifetime of blissful sleep for both of you!

John Lucas is a journalist and blogger who specialises in writing about good sleeping and bed product guides. His articles on luxury beds and mattresses have appeared in many leading industry publications.