Using separate blankets with your partner can make sleeping more comfortable, as body temperatures of men and women often vary throughout the night.
According to experts, body temperature is a crucial factor affecting sleep quality. Generally, sleeping in excessively warm conditions causes people to toss and turn, making them more likely to wake up during the night. Experts suggest that the ideal bedroom temperature should be between 17.2 to 20 degrees Celsius.
In regions like Scandinavia, people often sleep with two blankets instead of one to better control their body temperature and stay cool.
“If you have a partner, sleep with two blankets. Typically, in Nordic countries like Denmark or Norway, couples use two blankets. If you are someone who tends to get hot, sleeping next to someone can raise your body temperature,” says sleep expert James Wilson.
According to the American Sleep Association, while sleeping, temperature needs can change, but they often do not align with those of the person sleeping next to you. When temperature adjustments are not possible, insomnia can worsen, and sleep quality is affected. Individual blankets allow people to adjust their body temperature according to their needs without having to consult their sleeping partner.
Sleeping with separate blankets can help individuals sleep better. (Photo: Dolgachov).
Using two blankets allows each person to freely adjust their sleeping temperature. The colder individual can wrap themselves completely in the blanket, while the hotter individual may use a thinner blanket or cover only part of their body, leaving their feet or legs exposed for better air circulation.
Wilson explains that women are more sensitive to temperature while sleeping. A week before their menstrual cycle, women’s body temperatures rise significantly. The difference in temperature sensitivity between the sexes makes sharing a blanket challenging. Wilson notes that many of his clients end up in a “blanket war” when going to bed.
“Using separate blankets not only accommodates each person’s body temperature but also helps you sleep better,” he states.
According to a survey of 2,000 Americans, 82% admit that their partner’s sleeping habits frequently wake them up at night. Wilson and other sleep experts believe not sharing a blanket is a way to reconcile the sleeping habits of both individuals. The Scandinavian sleeping trend helps couples achieve deeper sleep.
