I grew up thinking husband and wife slept in the same bed automatically, then again I also grew up with Eric and Ernie sharing a bed and courtesy of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, aunts and uncles, grandma's and grandpa's all sharing a bed together. If a couple didn't sleep in the same bed then it was deemed the relationship wasn't working or an argument must have taken place.
"Go sleep in the spare room!" or "I'm sleeping on the sofa" were lines often heard on in drama or sitcoms and as I grew up I heard in my own relationships when arguments would erupt.
I've been single now for give or take 5 years and really love my double bed. I love that it's all mine, that I don't share it, with someone else. When I was in a relationship I was constantly woken by heavy breathing, movements, and an inability to stretch out. If my partner was ill or had a cough I too had a restless night. I need my sleep to function properly the next day, like anyone, if I've not fallen into REM sleep then I feel groggy and in a grumpy mood.
My question is, are couples supposed to sleep together? I wonder if any future woman I date will take to me wanting to sleep alone.
"Go sleep in the spare room!" or "I'm sleeping on the sofa" were lines often heard on in drama or sitcoms and as I grew up I heard in my own relationships when arguments would erupt.
I've been single now for give or take 5 years and really love my double bed. I love that it's all mine, that I don't share it, with someone else. When I was in a relationship I was constantly woken by heavy breathing, movements, and an inability to stretch out. If my partner was ill or had a cough I too had a restless night. I need my sleep to function properly the next day, like anyone, if I've not fallen into REM sleep then I feel groggy and in a grumpy mood.
My question is, are couples supposed to sleep together? I wonder if any future woman I date will take to me wanting to sleep alone.
And American sitcoms of the 60's and 70's always showed the couple in twin beds! Shows like "I Love Lucy" When I worked in a hotel in the Canadian Rockies in the mid-80's for a brief time, I was always surprised that if you gave American couples, of a certain age, a double bed they would only come to Reception to complain and I would need to go up and make up the sofa bed!! I found Germans and Japanese the same. Maybe it is a cultural thing??? I for one enjoy my sleep too and know exactly what you mean Baz :)
ReplyDeleteHA! you know Dolly, I never even thought about "I Love Lucy", but you are so right, those Shows did feature couples who slept in separate beds. It's really interesting, I wonder in which other cultures it's commonplace not to sleep in the same bed as your partner.
ReplyDeleteI guess it depends on the two individuals involved at the time. I am also really intrigued now by the cultural implications. If you are Dolly find out anything more do let me know.
ReplyDeleteHiya Baz here is a link to a BBC article on the subject: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8245578.stm
ReplyDeleteApparently the Japanese Government did a survey on the subject but the only report I found online was in Japanese!
Hi Dolly, It's really interesting that article, with 50% of people researched having disturbed sleep when sharing a bed, but when interviewed only 8% said they had disturbed sleep..
ReplyDeleteI think there is a lot of guilt about wanting to sleep alone. I'm sure more people would sleep apart if they were not penned in by traditional values. I wonder if people see it as a problem in their relationship if they don't sleep together. I like the Roman idea of the martial bed being used solely for sex.