Are You Losing Shut-Eye Over Your Partner's Poor Sleeping Habits?

A survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that ill-suited bedmates lost an average of 49 minutes of sleep each night. Aside from the loss of shut-eye, waking one or more times during the night seriously diminishes the quality of the sleep you do get. You miss out on the deep stage-four sleep that is so crucial to rejuvenating your mind and body. Sleeplessness takes its toll on your health, happiness, and relationship satisfaction. It's an important part of having good sex, too — and you may develop a little sleep-related resentment as you lie there watching him snooze!

From blanket-hogging to snoring, our mates can keep us awake well into the wee hours of the morning. While sleeping together can create intimacy and bonding, it can also lead to cranky, sluggish couples who need more zzz's.

Thankfully, there is a way to sleep together and sleep well. Consider the following:

Get on the same schedule. He’s a night owl, and you conk out around 10 p.m. You love to wake early, but he hits the snooze button like it’s going out of style. It’s not always easy to share a bed with someone who has a different internal clock than you, but with a little bit of work, you can get on the same timeline. Compromise and decide what bedtime and what rising time will work for both of you, and then commit to it. Stick with it for a few weeks (even if it means you are a little tired or sluggish at first), because your body will soon recommit to this schedule and you will both finally be on the same timeline!

Snore no more. Thanks to modern medicine, you can now take a pill to help decrease snoring. You can also take an antihistamine before bed if your snoring (or his snoring) is allergy related. A healthy diet and exercise are also important, because excess weight can put pressure on the neck which can lead to increased snoring.

Keep the stragglers out. If you want your whole family to sleep peacefully, then you need to get out of the habit of communal sleep. Cuddle with your kids in their own beds before lights out, but don't bring any stragglers with you. Invest in fun sheets decorated with their favorite cartoon characters, and let them choose a nightlight they love. Make their bedroom a place that is just for them — and your bedroom a place that is just for you!

Sometimes it’s difficult to remember to give sleep the attention it deserves, but the fact is, getting the proper shut-eye improves nearly every aspect of your life. It affects your mood, your appearance, your work performance, your physical coordination, and your ability to communicate and connect with others. So, do a favor for both yourself and those who you love tonight... Coordinate with your sweetie so you can both get some sleep!