Separate bedrooms?

Not sharing a bed is generally seen as a relationship red flag. But is it in your best interests to co-sleep with a snoring, thrashing duvet thief?

Against:

Dr Paul Rosenblatt, a psychiatry professor at the University of Minnesota, disagrees with the idea that sleeping apart is preferable. After interviewing 42 couples for his book Two In a Bed: The Social System of Couple Bed Sharing, he came to the following conclusions:

• Co-sleeping is better for your health. If you have a medical emergency, your bed partner is right there to assist – Dr Rosenblatt’s subjects mentioned seizures and diabetic shock as examples.
• Co-sleeping is better for your sex life. Many of the interviewed couples believe they are more likely to be intimate if they sleep together. ‘If you want it, share a bed,’ says Dr Rosenblatt.
• Co-sleeping is better for your security. Most of the women interviewed felt safer from intruders when they were sleeping next to someone else. 

For

• No arguments over decorating. She wants feminine bedding in pastel colours, soft lighting and scatter cushions aplenty. He prefers red walls, light covers and 500 watt light bulbs. No compromise.
• No lack of sleep due to snoring, kicking or trips to the loo. No resentment building as one lies awake and the other sleeps.
• Nobody sleeps on the couch after a fight. No one is inconvenienced when you can’t help but go to bed angry.
• More closet space.
• Sex becomes more special. Some couples report that tiptoeing across the hall like teenagers has added spice to their sex life.
• Differing bedtime habits. Night owls can stay up late watching television or reading, early birds can get up at 5am, switch on the light and head off to the gym without disturbing anyone.

Would you contemplate separate bedrooms? Let us know in the comments section below.

(Image: stock.xchang/ddrccl)