Sleep Divorce Trend in India: Sleeping Apart, Staying Close

Many couples, especially in India, are opting for "sleep divorce" to improve sleep quality, with stress and lifestyle factors being key causes of sleep disturbances.

Highlights:

Over 70% of Indian couples choose "sleep divorce" to improve sleep quality
Co-sleeping boosts emotional health, but separate sleeping can also improve rest
Stress and anxiety are major causes of poor sleep, affecting well-being and performance

As awareness about the significance of quality sleep increases, a global sleep study has uncovered a quiet sleep crisis, showing that more than 70% of Indian couples are choosing to sleep separately, or "sleep divorce," in order to enhance their sleep quality ().

According to ResMed's 2025 Global Sleep Survey, India tops the list in sleep divorce, with 78% of couples practicing it, followed by China at 67% and South Korea at 65%. The survey, which involved over 30,000 participants across 13 countries, revealed a global sleep crisis. In the United Kingdom and the United States, couples are split evenly, with 50% always sleeping together and 50% sometimes choosing to sleep apart.

Quiz on Sleep Disorder
The comfort of modern life comes at the cost of restful sleep! "Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone-Anthony Burgess" Scientifically it is proven that a good night's sleep is imperative for maintaining a balance between the ...

‘Did You Know?
Only about 80% of couples sleep in the same bed. Many couples do not sleep in the same bed for many reasons! These may include sleep disorders or snoring. #medindia #sleep #couples’

Common Causes of Sleep Disturbances in Couples

Although sleeping apart may seem unusual, for many couples, it has become a vital step in improving sleep quality and overall relationship well-being. Common reasons for sleep disturbances include a partner’s snoring, loud breathing, or gasping for air (32%), restlessness (12%), mismatched sleep schedules (10%), and screen use in bed (8%). Older generations were more likely to report sleeping separately due to these issues ().

Couples who have chosen separate sleeping arrangements report better sleep quality and often see improvements in their relationships, including a stronger or even enhanced sex life.

Couples Who Sleep Together Stay Healthy Together
Sleeping with your spouse can solve all your sleep problems, says a new study. Sharing your bed with your partner helps boost your mental health, your memory and creative problem-solving skills.

Emotional Benefits of Co-Sleeping

However, experts point out that co-sleeping offers its own advantages. Sharing a bed with a partner stimulates the release of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," which can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, while also boosting overall life and relationship satisfaction. A study published in Sleep found that couples who share a bed enjoy these emotional benefits, and another study in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed that co-sleeping is associated with roughly 10% more Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.

When asked about their emotions related to sleeping next to a partner, respondents reported feeling love (53%), comfort (47%), relaxation (41%), happiness (27%), and calmness (21%) as the most prominent feelings.

Poor Sleep Triggers Fights Between Couples
Researchers have found that people who struggle with sleepless nights often tend to fight with their romantic partners over relationship conflicts.

Top Causes of Poor Sleep in Today's World

In today’s world, juggling work, family, and social pressures while trying to prioritize self-care often leads to sleep being compromised. The study identified stress, anxiety, financial pressures, mental health conditions, and relationship issues as the leading causes of poor sleep.

Stress emerged as a major factor for 69% of Indians, with high levels also reported in South Korea (67%), Thailand (65%), Singapore (65%), and Germany (61%). Among Gen Z respondents, 53% pointed to anxiety as a primary cause of sleep deprivation.

Good Job and Happy Marriage Ensures a Good Nights Sleep
The study found that 14% people who were least satisfied with their work, slept for less than 6-hours.

Consequences of Ignoring Sleep Issues

Despite acknowledging the effects of poor sleep, many individuals remain passive about seeking help, with 22% reporting they are unwilling to address their sleep issues. This complacency can lead to negative consequences, such as worsened mood, reduced concentration, strained relationships, and decreased workplace performance. On the flip side, getting sufficient sleep has been proven to improve mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

The increasing trend of sleep divorce points out the growing need to prioritize sleep health. While sleeping separately may be a practical solution for many couples, addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances—such as stress, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions—remains essential. Raising awareness about the benefits of quality sleep and fostering open conversations about sleep health, both in personal and professional environments, can help individuals and couples achieve better rest and enhance their overall well-being ().

References:

Some couples around the world opt for 'sleep divorce', India tops the list: Survey - (https://www.deccanherald.com/india/some-couples-around-the-world-opt-for-sleep-divorce-india-tops-the-list-survey-3434864)
Sleeping single, staying married: The rise of sleep divorce in India - (https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/sleep-divorce-indian-couples-sleep-separate-rooms-beds-relationship-work-life-balance-resmed-2689346-2025-03-05)
Sleep divorce on the rise among indian couples..!? - (https://www.indiaherald.com/Breaking/Read/994800720/Sleep-divorce-on-the-rise-among-Indian-couples)

Source-Medindia