Lilith
10-25-2002, 08:10 AM
By Elaine Galloway, Evening Standard
Forget romance - the key to a lasting relationship lies in getting a good night's sleep. As the nation prepares for an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back this weekend, experts say the days of sharing a bed with a partner could well be numbered.
Research has shown that our desire for undisturbed sleep is starting to replace our desire for intimacy, with 19 per cent of people questioned admitting they would love to sleep in separate beds - if only their partner would suggest it. Love-making is now a low priority in sharing a bed, with only one in six couples saying they slept together to enjoy sex on demand.
The survey, carried out by The Sleep Council, found 78 per cent of those questioned slept together for companionship and the fear of feeling alone if they awoke in the night. Concern over what friends and family would think was also cited as a reason preventing couples from choosing to sleep apart.
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But the Sleep Council said couples who slept in separate beds might have a better chance of staying together.
Psychologist Dr David Lewis, who analysed the results of the survey, said: "Sharing the same bed, especially at first, typically disrupts sleep patterns - and so leads to a less refreshing rest.
"As a result, couples can become short-tempered with one another, leading to rows and squabbles that can undermine the relationship."
The study, which looked at the bedtime behaviour of more than 1,000 couples, found that almost half complained of being woken up at least six times a night.
The most popular causes among women were snoring, while men complained that their partners hogged the bedclothes.
While 46 per cent of those fell asleep again within five minutes, others found it impossible to drop off for an hour or more.
Dr Lewis said: "Where your partner is responsible, then resentment and frustrations are likely to build. Since tired people are less tolerant and patient than those who are fully rested, the result can easily be rows and arguments."
Despite the complaints, 89 per cent of people still felt sharing a bed was essential to keeping their love alive.
Forget romance - the key to a lasting relationship lies in getting a good night's sleep. As the nation prepares for an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back this weekend, experts say the days of sharing a bed with a partner could well be numbered.
Research has shown that our desire for undisturbed sleep is starting to replace our desire for intimacy, with 19 per cent of people questioned admitting they would love to sleep in separate beds - if only their partner would suggest it. Love-making is now a low priority in sharing a bed, with only one in six couples saying they slept together to enjoy sex on demand.
The survey, carried out by The Sleep Council, found 78 per cent of those questioned slept together for companionship and the fear of feeling alone if they awoke in the night. Concern over what friends and family would think was also cited as a reason preventing couples from choosing to sleep apart.
Other stories:
The curse of Blue Peter
Why Caroline ditched Cash
My love life is not what is was
Stalkers: the women they target
The modern-day dads
Sleep not sex is the key
Dictionary corner for Del
Dress-down for vicars
But the Sleep Council said couples who slept in separate beds might have a better chance of staying together.
Psychologist Dr David Lewis, who analysed the results of the survey, said: "Sharing the same bed, especially at first, typically disrupts sleep patterns - and so leads to a less refreshing rest.
"As a result, couples can become short-tempered with one another, leading to rows and squabbles that can undermine the relationship."
The study, which looked at the bedtime behaviour of more than 1,000 couples, found that almost half complained of being woken up at least six times a night.
The most popular causes among women were snoring, while men complained that their partners hogged the bedclothes.
While 46 per cent of those fell asleep again within five minutes, others found it impossible to drop off for an hour or more.
Dr Lewis said: "Where your partner is responsible, then resentment and frustrations are likely to build. Since tired people are less tolerant and patient than those who are fully rested, the result can easily be rows and arguments."
Despite the complaints, 89 per cent of people still felt sharing a bed was essential to keeping their love alive.