When you sleep with a partner, whether male or female, friend or lover, there is a lot of comfort that comes from the knowledge that there is another human being lying next to you. A comfort that stems from knowing you are not alone and that you have an extra security and this is not to mention the other merits that come from having a sleep partner. But as there are advantages, there are disadvantages to having a sleep partner, the discomfort that comes from sharing a bed with a “roller”; people who toss and turn at night, people who hug the bed cover and the argument that comes with the right room temperature for the air conditioner.

Coincidentally, as far back as possible couples didn’t use to share the same huts, husbands would only share their huts with their wives when there was need to, these days couples not sharing a room is often interpreted as having their relationship  on the rocks. These days, couples share the bed as newlyweds but as they grow older and have kids, they become more pragmatic and sleep alone.

ADVANTAGES

1. Cuddle Chemical: When you snuggle down with your partner in bed, your brains releases oxytocin which helps you relax, feel calm, protected and reduces anxiety. All this helps you fall asleep quicker, which means you get more sleep.
2. Being in Close Proximity: Studies have shown that couples who are temporarily separated from their sleep partner have difficulty sleeping. In that period, when reunited, the problems go away.
3. Better communication: Some couple have their most in-depth conversation while in bed, these conversation have a way of making a relationships are stronger. Like they say, communication is key but so also is a good night’s sleep.
Improved sleep quality: Still talking about communication, many people have reported getting better sleep on days when they had fewer negative interactions with their partners.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Snoring partner: If cuddling helped knock you out, sleeping with a partner that snores can disrupt the quality of your sleep.
2. High Temperature: While some people love to cuddle and spoon through the night, some people get really hot during the night, this will make you are unable to sleep and make cuddling uncomfortable.
3. Duvet hugger: There are people who can only be described as “selfish sleepers” as they often take up too much space on the bed or take up too much space under the duvet living their partners out in the cold or with too little cover.
4. If your partner is one who likes to turn and toss at night, then that is bound to affect the quality of your sleep. As you are bound to be awakened by the nocturnal activity.

Close relationships are also strongly linked to physical and psychological health outcomes through factors such as sleep. If you currently do not co-sleep because of snoring or restlessness, you may want to consider undergoing evaluation for a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. If there are emotional issues contributing to you and your partner’s sleep habits, consider meeting with a counselor.