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Partners in Sleep
Better Rest With the One You’re With

They say love is forever — but boy, can interrupted nights’ sleep with your bedmate really test you.

You tuck yourself in on your side of the bed just to wake up feeling unrefreshed. Or, you wake up too early or in the middle of the night without being able to fall back asleep all together. Between 46% and 56% of people who share their beds share your complaints, according to a National Sleep Foundation survey.

Beyond the health concerns that poor sleep can cause, fatigue and cranky mornings do not a happy couple make. In fact, of the same survey participants, 38% admitted that being disrupted by their partners’ sleep problems — be them tossing and turning, snoring or more — have caused difficulties in their relationships.

This Valentine’s Day, save the chocolates. OK, give the chocolates, but also do your body — and your happiness — a favor by finding the best way for you and the other half of your dynamic duo to sleep peacefully.

Prolonged Drift-offs

One pillow. No, two. Right side. No, left. If it seems like your sleepmate takes a bit to find the settle-in sweet spot, consider altering your bedtime. Hitting the sack even just 15 minutes later may allow you to slip into bed after all that disruptive nestling has been taken care of.

Too Hot! Too Cold!

If she’s pulling the covers up while you’re sweating like crazy, consider using two smaller size blankets on the bed — one for each of you — instead of one that covers the whole mattress.

Middle-of-the-Night Toilet Runs

Try wearing a sleep mask to block the light from the bathroom.

Nasal Symphonies

Sleep with earplugs. Also, encourage your partner to sleep on his side, which can reduce snoring. If the snoring is constant and accompanied by gasping for air, however, don’t just try to cope. Encourage your loved one to see a physician, as this may be a sign of sleep apnea.

How Does He Disturb My Sleep? Let Me Count the Ways…

Though it may not work for every couple, if a good night’s sleep cobedded just isn’t a possibility, opting for separate beds or rooms may do the trick.