It's 10:00 pm do you know where your sleep partner is? You're in bed all snuggled up ready for a great nights sleep. You check your clock to see that it (is late). So where is your mate?

If you are a younger couple, chances are you will be bothered by the vacancy next to you in your twin to full size bed. We seem to need to snuggle when we are young whether or not we are newly wed. If we have a snuggle-buddy or spouse we are more apt to need them on a regular basis in order to get a good nights rest. This would imply that before making the commitment to cohabitate with a young mate (18-29) we may want to find someone who matches our circadian rhythm at the very least if we wish to maintain and possibly grow a future with this person. If you are still young but have been a morning person for many years, do not expect to change suddenly for your new partner, better to find a partner who already has this adaptation than to accommodate a night owl at the risk of your own health and that of the relationship.

For the seasoned among us, those aged 29+, having our partner with us in our Queen to King size bed is a luxury, not a necessity. Many of us have grown to learn that other things matter in life besides having a mate that will be there to help us get to sleep. There are professions that require the full focus of our mate for up to 12 hours at a stretch or for that matter days, even weeks at a time. As an adult it is common to adapt to these solo sleeping arrangements. Many of us do not require the constant touching that comes from sleeping in a smaller bed. We may now be better able to afford a larger bed, which by the way looks better in our spacious master bedroom that we probably now have.


At any age, a good nights sleep is something many of us take for granted but do not plan ahead for. Some things that will help us win a dream filled night are:

• Have a good sleep environment.
• Keep the temperature in the bedroom on the cool side.
• Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises, bright lights, and uncomfortable bed, a TV or a computer in the bedroom.
• Does your partner snore, sleepwalk, or sleep talk? These are important topics, many of which - when not properly addressed- have been the prelude to divorce.

Sleep apnea, Snoring, sleepwalking, and sleep talking can be addressed and effectively ameliorated. A sleep study is a common tool and follow up intervention can mean the difference between life and death, to say the least, it could mean a much better relationship with your partner. Surgery to remove glandular or tissue growths and or bony obstructions in the airway may be yet another avenue to explore. See a doctor if you continue to have trouble sleeping.