The Secret to Better Sleep (and a Better Relationship): Improving Sleep Together
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Time to read 3 min
For many couples, sleep can be a source of tension. One partner’s tossing and turning, snoring, or mismatched sleep schedules can leave both feeling exhausted.
But when both partners prioritize their sleep quality, the benefits extend far beyond just feeling well-rested.
Research shows that when one person sleeps better, their partner does too. And when couples work together to optimize their sleep environment, they can improve their relationship, decrease stress, boost overall health, and even enhance fitness recovery.
How Your Partner’s Sleep Impacts Your Sleep & Your Relationship
Sharing a bed with a partner means that their sleep habits directly affect yours. If your partner is restless, snores, or wakes up frequently during the night, you’re likely to experience disrupted sleep as well.
Even subtle factors, such as differences in bedtime routines, mattress preferences, or body temperature regulation, can impact sleep quality.
When both partners sleep well, they are more likely to wake up refreshed, communicate better, and maintain a positive emotional connection. Prioritizing sleep as a couple can lead to stronger relationships, reduced stress, and better overall health.
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that couples who share a bed experience increased and stabilized REM sleep, the stage essential for emotional regulation and memory consolidation. Couples who share a bed also synchronize their sleep patterns, which may contribute to more restful nights and strengthened emotional bonds (2).
Additionally, partners can significantly influence each other's sleep habits.
A study examining bed-sharing couples found that both self-control and social dynamics play major roles in determining sleep hygiene, emphasizing the importance of mutual support in maintaining healthy sleep practices (3).
Scientific studies also highlight the intricate relationship between sleep quality and relationship dynamics. Research indicates that poor sleep quality can lead to increased anger and decreased perceptions of relationship satisfaction, suggesting that prioritizing good sleep hygiene can foster healthier relationships (1).
Simple Steps to Improve Sleep as a Couple
If you and your partner are struggling with disrupted sleep, working together on sleep hygiene and optimizing your environment can be a game-changer. Here’s how:
1. Upgrade Your Sleep Environment
Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillows that support both of your sleep preferences.
Use blackout curtains and white noise machines to minimize disturbances.
Keep the bedroom cool and free from bright screens before bed.
2. Adopt Healthy Sleep Habits Together
Set a consistent sleep and wake time, even on weekends.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or stretching together.
Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed to support your natural melatonin production.
3. Carve Out Enough Time for Sleep
Life gets busy, but ensuring you both get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night should be a priority. Quality sleep enhances mood, sharpens focus, and reduces stress—leading to better communication and connection as a couple.
The Role of Healthy Supplements in a Better Night’s Sleep
Sometimes, even with the best sleep habits, you might need a little extra support. That’s where high-quality sleep supplements come in. Instead of relying on melatonin, which can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms over time, a well-formulated supplement can help calm your mind and prepare your body for deep sleep—without grogginess the next day.
Thirdzy is designed for exactly this purpose. It supports relaxation and recovery with ingredients that help your body wind down naturally, so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
When both you and your partner get the rest you need, everything in your relationship—communication, patience, and even intimacy—improves.
The Ripple Effect: Sleep, Stress, and Fitness Recovery
Better sleep doesn’t just mean waking up in a good mood. It directly affects your stress levels, immune function, and fitness recovery. If you’re both active, sleep plays a crucial role in muscle repair and overall performance. Poor sleep leads to higher cortisol levels, making recovery slower and workouts feel harder. By prioritizing sleep together, you can enhance your fitness results and feel better physically and mentally.
Work Together, Sleep Better
Improving your sleep as a couple isn’t just about avoiding exhaustion—it’s about strengthen relationship, reducing stress, and boosting your overall health.
By making small changes to your sleep environment, establishing healthy nighttime routines, and incorporating supportive supplements like Thirdzy, you can unlock better nights and better days—together.
References
Krizan Z, Hisler G. Sleep Disruptions Predict Self-Regulation Failures, Anger, and Hostility: Implications for Relationships. J Soc Pers Relatsh. 2023. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com
Drews HJ, Wallot S, Brysch P, et al. Bed-Sharing in Couples Is Associated With Increased and Stabilized REM Sleep and Sleep-Stage Synchronization. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:583. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00583.
Riedl LC, Putzig I, Gmeiner T, et al. Self-control or social control—what determines sleep hygiene in bed-sharing couples? Sleep Sci Pract. 2021;5(1). doi:10.1186/s41606-021-00059-4.
