More Couples Around the World Are Choosing to Sleep Separately — Here’s Why
May 29, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan — A growing number of couples are embracing the idea of sleeping in separate beds, a practice long rooted in Japanese culture. While traditionally associated with elderly couples or unique household arrangements, this trend is becoming more common among younger generations and is now gaining traction globally.
Recent surveys indicate that approximately one in four couples choose to sleep apart. Though it may still carry a stigma in some cultures, experts say this practice can offer a range of benefits — from improved sleep quality to healthier relationships.
One of the most common reasons couples sleep separately is to minimize sleep disruptions. Differences in sleeping patterns, such as mismatched bedtimes, snoring, or restlessness, can interfere with a good night’s sleep. By sleeping in separate beds or even separate rooms, partners often find they wake up more refreshed and better equipped to handle daily life.
Temperature preferences, noise sensitivity, and the desire for personal space are also contributing factors. For many couples, having the freedom to sleep in their own ideal conditions reduces nightly tension and enhances emotional well-being.
“Sleeping apart doesn’t mean a couple is emotionally distant,” said Dr. Ayaka Tanaka, a sleep researcher based in Tokyo. “In fact, for some, it helps maintain intimacy by reducing nighttime conflicts and encouraging more quality time together during waking hours.”
Research supports this perspective. Studies have found that couples who prioritize restful sleep — even if that means sleeping separately — often report higher relationship satisfaction, better communication, and fewer arguments.
While it may not be the right choice for everyone, the growing acceptance of separate sleeping arrangements reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing personal health and mutual respect in modern relationships.
As more couples explore what works best for their lifestyles, the idea of separate beds — once taboo — is quickly becoming a normal and healthy option for many.
