So, you used to fall asleep with no trouble, whatsoever. Ironically, you find happiness in that "special someone," and consequentially your perfect sleep patterns diminish as the shifting, snoring and snuggling keep you awake at night. It is actually enormously common for couples to have difficulty sleeping as they adjust to the life of sharing a bed together. Not only do you have different sleep schedules, but you might find you can't get comfortable with the way one or the other positions themselves across the mattress. During the first few months of sleeping side by side with someone new, you experience some serious sleep deprivation. This isn't to say you can't ever get past it — but it will be difficult … not to mention a lack of Z's that could potentially effect other aspects of your relationship. But we'll get to that later.
First, let's see if there are some ways to try and counteract your sleep disorder. If you'd rather sleep alone than with your partner, you're not alone. However, maybe a few of their habits are contributing to your restlessness. These things are worth discussing. If your partner has made it a hobby to watch TV or play on their smart devices right at bedtime, let them know it is disrupting your sleep schedule. Darkness releases the hormone melatonin, which is a highly affective natural sleep aid. The small amounts of light emitted from a smart phone or laptop can throw off your melatonin levels. You can't get to sleep when your significant other is constantly using electronic devices so close to your bedtime. This is something you'll want to calmly negotiate.
Another common issue that can affect your sleep patterns as a couple could be your joint intake of "uppers," also known as the chemicals that produce stimulants in your body. These can be found in caffeine and some kinds of asthma pills. These stimulants contribute to insomnia and daytime jitters. Other medications that can have similar effects are prescriptions for depression, heart disease or high blood pressure. Diuretics have caffeine in them, and they make you go to the bathroom more frequently, which will also disrupt your sleep. If you or your partner are taking any of these medications, you will find you can't get a full night's sleep. Figure out if there are ways you can eliminate stimulants from your diet. If not, you will have to find ways to adjust your nighttime routine so your brain can shut off activity and get to sleep.
Sometimes the problems are inevitable, like work schedules. Maybe your partner has a graveyard shift, or they come home from work after you are already in bed. You can't always control these issues within your home. The best you can do is try to regulate your sleep schedule and discuss it with your partner that way you are getting as much of your necessary rest as possible. There are also several apps that can help you regulate your sleep schedule, and wake up feeling refreshed — no matter who is snoring in your ear all night.
First, let's see if there are some ways to try and counteract your sleep disorder. If you'd rather sleep alone than with your partner, you're not alone. However, maybe a few of their habits are contributing to your restlessness. These things are worth discussing. If your partner has made it a hobby to watch TV or play on their smart devices right at bedtime, let them know it is disrupting your sleep schedule. Darkness releases the hormone melatonin, which is a highly affective natural sleep aid. The small amounts of light emitted from a smart phone or laptop can throw off your melatonin levels. You can't get to sleep when your significant other is constantly using electronic devices so close to your bedtime. This is something you'll want to calmly negotiate.
Another common issue that can affect your sleep patterns as a couple could be your joint intake of "uppers," also known as the chemicals that produce stimulants in your body. These can be found in caffeine and some kinds of asthma pills. These stimulants contribute to insomnia and daytime jitters. Other medications that can have similar effects are prescriptions for depression, heart disease or high blood pressure. Diuretics have caffeine in them, and they make you go to the bathroom more frequently, which will also disrupt your sleep. If you or your partner are taking any of these medications, you will find you can't get a full night's sleep. Figure out if there are ways you can eliminate stimulants from your diet. If not, you will have to find ways to adjust your nighttime routine so your brain can shut off activity and get to sleep.
Sometimes the problems are inevitable, like work schedules. Maybe your partner has a graveyard shift, or they come home from work after you are already in bed. You can't always control these issues within your home. The best you can do is try to regulate your sleep schedule and discuss it with your partner that way you are getting as much of your necessary rest as possible. There are also several apps that can help you regulate your sleep schedule, and wake up feeling refreshed — no matter who is snoring in your ear all night.