How well does your sleep style align with your partner’s? A new ‘Bed Chemistry’ quiz aims to reveal how compatible you are as a couple in the sleep department. It turns out that a third of Brits are not “sleep compatible” with their other half, thanks to common issues such as snoring and duvet hogging. One in five even resort to using separate bedrooms frequently to catch some proper sleep.
The survey of 2,000 adults found that 30 per cent struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to misaligned sleep schedules, or sleeping next to a sheet-stealing or fidget-prone partner. Interestingly, only 17 per cent of respondents said they never lose sleep because of their other half.
Radio host Chris Stark hit the streets to quiz Brits about their ‘Bed Chemistry’ (Image: PinPep)
The research, commissioned by Dreams, also involved radio presenter and comedian Chris Stark taking to the streets to get first-hand insights from couples about their “sleep compatibility” – or lack thereof. Chris shared his thoughts, adding: “We all like to think we’re a dream to share a bed with, but let’s be honest – most of us are probably a bit of a nightmare.”
On average, respondents reported losing 48 minutes of sleep per night due to their significant other – adding up to 24 full nights of missed rest a year. For 17% of those surveyed, the disruption felt closer to two hours per night, according to the OnePoll.com study.
It seems the guilt is real for over two-thirds of people who admit to being the ones disrupting their partner’s sleep. But Chris says there is hope for sleep-deprived couples, noting: “The great news is that making a few simple changes to your sleep setup can make a huge difference.”
While partners undoubtedly play a role in sleepless nights, the research also revealed plenty of other issues that plague Brits’ sleep. Almost a quarter of people described their mattress as simply “okay,” with many finding it less than ideal for a comfortable night.
Among those unhappy with their mattress, 44 per cent complained about back pain, and 13 per cent cited squeaky springs as a major annoyance, yet many admitted to sleeping on their current mattress for as long as five years.
Temperature also proved a significant factor, with nearly half of respondents saying they struggle to sleep when their bedroom is too warm or too cold. Noise from outside disrupts the sleep of 36 per cent, while 28 per cent confessed their pillow lets them down in the comfort department.
A spokesperson for Dreams, added: “Sleep incompatibility can be a real challenge for couples. Whether it’s differing mattress preferences, varying temperature needs, or one partner tossing and turning, poor sleep doesn’t just affect rest – it impacts mood, energy and overall well-being.”
Dreams has created a ‘Sleepmatch’ service to assess couples’ sleep preferences to help them find a mattress that suits both partners.
