With many couples increasingly struggling to sleep, this ancient method of bedsharing could be the key to preserving our relationships and catching those all-important 40 winks
It’s the age-old complaint: your partner hogs the duvets, runs too hot (or too cold), or presses their chilly feet against your back in their sleep.
For many, this all seems like part and parcel with sharing a bed — one of the small downsides of relationships we all have to accept.
But should we all be getting a bit more European in the sheets?
According to a 2025 study by bed specialists Bedstar, more than 40% of people who share a bed with their partner have considered breaking up over their sleep problems, and couples will lose approximately 2.5 nights of sleep per week due to partner disturbances.
And in an increasingly fast-paced world, a good night’s sleep is becoming more and more important.
What is the Scandinavian sleep method?
For many of us, it’s standard practice that two people sharing a bed will sleep under one duvet. But this isn’t the case for many in Nordic countries, who often opt for separate, individual duvets.
‘Common in countries like Sweden and Denmark, the “Scandinavian sleep method” uses two duvets in one bed,’ says Dr Wendy Troxel, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Behavioural Scientist at RAND, and author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep. ‘It can be a practical middle ground that preserves connection while minimising sleep disruption.’
The practice has deep historical roots, dating back over a thousand years. There’s even some evidence that the Vikings were doing it!
Why try Scandinavian sleeping?
The proof is in the pudding when it comes to Scandinavian sleeping: there’s a reason it’s still practised today.
‘Separate duvets may be particularly helpful for couples who have different temperature preferences, or if one or both partners is a duvet-stealer or tends to toss and turn, all of which can fragment sleep,’ explains Dr Wendy.
‘This approach allows couples to maintain closeness while protecting the uninterrupted sleep our bodies need for repair and overall health.’
Many couples would consider a ‘Sleep divorce’ (sleeping in separate beds or even separate rooms) to fix their sleep, but may end up missing the feeling of closeness that sharing a bed can bring.
In this case, then, Scandinavian sleep might be the middle ground many of us need in order to fix the strain that sleep problems can have on our relationships.
How to try Scandinavian Sleeping
Here are our tips for making the transition into Scandinavian sleeping as smooth as possible.
Ease into it
If you’re unsure whether Scandinavian sleeping will work for you and your partner, try it just one or two nights a week at first, on days when it doesn’t matter as much about the quality of your sleep (on Friday night and Saturday night, for example, if you and your partner work Mon-Fri).
Build up by adding an extra night each week, until you’re utilising the method for a full seven nights.
Choose wisely
It’s important to do your research to really make the most of Scandinavian Sleeping. Head to a bed store and try out as many duvets as you can, to see what kind of thing works best for you.
There are many options to choose from to find your ideal duvet. Look at duvets with different tog ratings, materials (synthetic or natural), and different weights to find your perfect match. There are also duvets made for specific sleepers – for example, if you suffer from allergies or prefer a weighted blanket. The world is your oyster!
Match your duvet covers
Just because the duvets on your bed are different, it doesn’t mean it has to be obvious from the outside.
If you’re worried about the look of your bedroom, either from an interior design perspective or in the case of prying eyes, opt for buying two of the same single duvet covers. That way, the cohesion of your room will stay the same, and any visitors will be none the wiser.
Try a large, lightweight blanket over the top
If a single duvet feels like there might not be enough space for you under it, or you’re worried about your duvets separating in the night, try putting a large lightweight blanket over the top (if you can handle the extra heat/weight). This could be especially useful at first while you adjust to the new method.
The important thing is that your sleeping arrangements work for you and your partner, regardless of which ‘trend’ or method you try.
‘The key message is flexibility and communication,’ adds Dr Wendy. ‘There’s no single “right” way for couples to sleep. Protecting sleep quality ultimately supports relationship health, since well-rested couples communicate better and experience less conflict.’
