If you display these 7 traits, you probably sleep better alone at night

It might be evident that sharing a bed with your partner isn’t always paradise. 

For one, they might hog every blanket in the bed, and there’s always that annoying extra arm when you’re cuddling. 

On the other hand, they might be loud snorers, too. That’s a challenge if you’re sensitive to noise. 

In any case, sharing a bed with someone may cause some discomfort. And for some of us…sleeping alone is just a much more enjoyable and productive experience.

So, if you display these 7 traits, you probably sleep better alone at night.

1) You hate your partner’s sleep habits

Unhealthy sleep habits can affect you more than you know. 

Staying up late, having an irregular sleep schedule, and even waking up several times at night can affect your fatigue. Naps can also be a problem if you don’t sleep at night because of them. 

Poor sleeping habits can also negatively impact your mental and physical health. Some studies have connected poor sleep hygiene with poorer mental well-being.

So, if your partner has some unhealthy sleep habits…you might be better off sleeping alone!

2) You have anxiety and insomnia

I often find myself awake late at night, anxious, and unable to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. Chronic insomnia is a tough problem because it triggers anxiety about not sleeping well. 

Besides, it makes it more difficult to manage our emotional wellbeing during the day. 

So, whether you have short-term anxiety or an anxiety disorder, it might be more difficult for you to cope with this if you’re sharing a bed with a loud sleeper or someone who moves too much at night.

In case that’s what you’re going through, consider talking to a therapist, and don’t be afraid to share your frustrations with your partner. A loving partner will understand and try to help you with that.

3) You and your partner have different schedules

Perhaps you work during the day, and your partner has the night shift. Maybe you like to go to sleep early, and they don’t. There are thousands of different factors that can affect your sleep schedule. 

If you’re a morning person, and your partner is a night owl, there might be tension in your lives because of it. When you sleep by yourself, you can keep a healthier schedule for your needs. 

Unfortunately, if you sleep with someone who doesn’t have the same sleeping routine, you have to adjust your sleeping patterns. You can reach a compromise or sleep separately, knowing that you only have to do what’s best for you both. 

4) You thrive with a bedtime routine

Do you binge-watch your favorite show before going to bed? Or maybe you read your favorite book to wind down and get relaxed before sleep?

A fun benefit of sleeping alone is knowing you can do whatever you like before falling asleep without having to consider someone else’s preferences. You can wake up late and sleep early; it’s fine!

For some people, it’s a challenge to adjust their bedtime routines and still be able to spend time together. But if you feel like you don’t want to compromise on this one–maybe sleeping alone is a better option for you.

So, next time you stress about not sleeping next to your partner, try to change your perspective: you can do whatever you like before going to bed and enjoy your time alone!

5) You need some privacy

Most of the time, my bedroom door stays open. I can lock it, but I don’t want to because I like for my family to be able to enter: my partner, my kids, and even my cats! 

However, sometimes I need to have a bit of privacy (like all of us), and it’s nice to know I can get it by closing my door. I feel secure in my environment, and if I want to put on some music, relax, and recharge, I’m free to do it without having any issues with my family. 

I consider this an essential me-time, and everyone who knows me respects that time. But I know it’s my privilege and not everyone can have it the same way.

I have some friends who need to have space sometimes, but they can’t get it because their partners or families don’t respect their boundaries. 

That’s harsh, but it’s a reality for many. In this case, it’s a good idea to consider sleeping alone.

6) You are noise sensitive

Sleeping alone is the best thing for one reason: silence. 

I know I won’t hear anyone else snoring, moving around, turning on the lights… that can be pretty disruptive. 

My night will be quiet, and I’ll wake up well-rested the following day. That’s why I cherish the nights that I get to sleep on my own!

If you’re sleeping next to a snoring partner, on average, you’re losing about thirty minutes of sleep every night. Research showed that the quality of sleep improved for those who don’t snore when snorers weren’t there. 

Your partner and you can also invest in a snoring solution that works for both of you.

7) You don’t like pets in your bed

I am a very light sleeper, but the same rule applies to people with allergies and immune conditions. 

Sleeping with our pets in the same bed is not a great idea, and it could even be detrimental to their health.

Pups and kittens might need some training before they get used to sleeping with you, and if they’re too small, it’s better to have them sleep separately for their safety and comfort. 

If you can’t sleep with pets and your partner loves it, perhaps sleeping in different beds or rooms might be a good idea. 

What are the benefits of sleeping alone?

Some of these might surprise you, but sleeping alone isn’t good just because you get a better rest if your partner snores. For example: 

• When you sleep alone, you control the environment you surround yourself with, for the most part. The room’s temperature, the level of light or darkness, and the type of bedding you prefer can influence the quality of your sleep. 
• It’s also easier to control certain disturbances. You won’t wake up because your partner is moving around, and you will only have your sleeping schedule to consider before bed. 
• Sleeping alone is good if you’re independent and prefer to rest on your own terms. Plus, if you sleep with white noise or a fan on at all times, you won’t have to worry about bothering your partner either! 

Feeling safe when sleeping alone

A lot of people worry that they won’t be safe when they sleep alone, so here are some tips that will help you if that’s your case:

• Lock every window and door before you go to bed, and if you need it, invest in a security system to help you feel secure while you’re alone. 
• Have a set pre-bed routine that helps your mind and body relax. Include cozy habits like a cup of tea, meditation, a warm bath, and even a book. 
• Let someone know that you’ll be sleeping alone. Of course, this person has to be someone you trust and who can check up on you if needed. 

Improving your sleep quality

If you don’t get enough sleep over the week, a bedtime routine might fix it. 

We’ve talked about it before, but let’s get into it in more detail. Remember: a good pre-sleeping routine takes about an hour before you go to sleep. 

Here are some tips. 

1) Put away electronic devices

Try not to use your phone, tablet, or even the TV if you can avoid it. If you can’t, turn on your phone’s red-light filter to help your eyesight and avoid straining it before bed. Instead, try to read a book or even light a few candles to relax your eyesight. 

2) Listen to calming music

Music always helps me relax, but it’s not always the same melodies. So, the genre you like isn’t as important as the emotion it evokes. Close your eyes, listen to the music, and try to enter a meditative state with it until you fall asleep. 

3) Have a set bedtime

Our brains crave structure, and we can thrive if we control a few key aspects of our lives. That’s why it’s so essential to develop good habits: we get to live a life mostly free of anxiety. 

In the same vein, you can use your bedtime routine to enjoy your resting time and wake up feeling better than ever. Including on weekends! 

4) Journal before bed

Journaling is a great way to analyze our day, remember what we achieved, and soothe our overactive minds. It can be pretty relaxing, especially if we do it before bed. Pouring out our emotions in a journal can help us process our emotions successfully. 

5) Meditate

This is a no-brainer. Meditation is a great practice, a tradition in some countries, and very helpful for our mental and physical wellbeing. It can help us quiet down our thoughts before bed as well. 

6) Make your bed with intention

There’s nothing like the feeling of clean bedsheets, a soft comforter, and fluffy pillows right when we go to bed. As adults, we can make our environment as good as we need it. 

Remember to use season-appropriate sheets and blankets so you’re not too warm or too cold while sleeping. 

Conclusion

Sleeping alone can be a challenge for some and a great moment for others. There’s one thing we know for sure: it’s better if you thrive with a routine and love structure, especially if you suffer from anxiety or insomnia. Light sleepers benefit from it as well. 

So, prioritize your sleep and start this journey to rest better and improve your life as much as possible. Honor your needs without fear, and make sure to communicate them with your partner.