Sleep divorce involves couples sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms to improve sleep quality. This practice helps avoid common sleep problems such as snoring, insomnia, different sleep schedules, and restlessness, which can lead to fatigue and strain in the relationship. Here's what you need to know about this trend and its potential health benefits .
National Geographic highlights that in ancient Rome, the concept of the marital bed, known as the lectus genialis , was both practical and symbolic. Roman couples often used a bed for intimate conversations and physical intimacy , making it a private space within the home. It was not uncommon for them to retire to separate beds when it was time to sleep .
However, during the medieval period, the concept of an exclusive marital bed was less clear due to the communal nature of living spaces. Poorer families often shared a bed or a sleeping area near a heat source, while wealthier families could claim individual rooms, as they lived in larger houses.
During the Renaissance , more private bedrooms for couples appeared . However, separate bedrooms for husbands and wives were not uncommon , especially among royalty and nobility.
During the Victorian era, it became fashionable for couples to sleep together, but by the end of the 19th century, medical experts were once again advocating for separation . In her book, A Cultural History of Twin Beds , Hilary Hinds states that medical professionals of the time considered separate beds to be the healthiest option.
Prominent figures such as New York physician William Witty Hall and alternative medicine practitioner Edwin Bowers emphasized the health benefits of single beds. Hall advocated for “ a single bed in a large, clean, and bright room ,” and Bowers maintained that “ separate beds for each sleeper are as necessary as separate plates for each diner .”
In the 1920s, twin beds became a symbol of wealth and fashion. However, the 1950s saw a return to double beds, as the post-World War II era solidified the concept of the master bedroom, viewing separate beds as a sign of marital failure . Today, as awareness of the role of sleep in overall health grows, the trend of sleeping in separate beds is making a comeback .
Source: https://www.nationalgeographicla.com/
