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In an era marked by long work hours, digital distractions, and relentless urban schedules, couples are increasingly exploring unconventional solutions to maintain harmony in their relationships. One such practice, dubbed “sleep divorce”, is steadily gaining traction across cities, offering partners a way to safeguard both rest and personal space without resorting to separation. Sleep divorce refers to couples choosing to sleep in separate beds or even separate rooms, tailored to individual comfort and needs. The practice, initially popularised in the United States, addresses common sleep disturbances such as snoring, irregular work shifts, or late-night screen use, issues that often spark friction between partners. “The modern urban lifestyle has made uninterrupted sleep a rare luxury. Sleep divorce is a pragmatic approach to ensure both partners get adequate rest, which is crucial for emotional stability and professional performance,” said Dr Radhika Sharma, a clinical psychologist based in Delhi. Recent studies underscore the growing acceptance of this practice. Research by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2024 found that 29% of Americans preferred sleeping separately from their partner, up from 20% in 2023. Similarly, data from SleepFoundation.org suggests that 53% of couples who adopted separate sleeping arrangements reported improved sleep quality, with an average gain of 37 minutes per night. In India, anecdotal evidence indicates a similar shift. Urban households, particularly among working couples, are experimenting with sleep divorce as a strategy to reduce domestic tension. Experts say that by improving rest, couples are better equipped to handle daily stressors, potentially preventing minor disagreements from escalating. However, the practice is not without critics. Relationship counsellors caution that while sleep divorce can alleviate immediate stress, it may reduce opportunities for intimacy and emotional bonding. “Sharing a bedroom is often when couples resolve conflicts, connect emotionally, and maintain physical intimacy. Separating at night could inadvertently weaken these connections,” warned Dr Anil Mehta, a marriage counsellor in Mumbai. Despite these concerns, proponents argue that the benefits – enhanced sleep, reduced irritability, and improved productivity – often outweigh potential drawbacks. Many couples treat sleep divorce as a flexible arrangement rather than a permanent separation, alternating between shared and separate sleeping spaces based on circumstances. As the boundaries between personal and professional life blur, sleep divorce may emerge as a practical compromise for urban couples seeking balance.
