WHEN you commit to a relationship, you’re in it for the long haul.
But life’s hurdles can sometimes create distance, making it harder to stay connected.
Now, experts believe they’ve found a simple solution that could not only strengthen your relationship but also improve your sleep.
Introducing the German ‘doppelbett’ method – a sleep setup designed to reignite intimacy while ensuring both partners get the rest they need.
According to research by MattressOnline, four out of five couples admit that their partner disrupts their sleep.
As more people seek ways to avoid full-on sleep divorce and improve their rest in 2025, this two-mattress method is gaining attention.
The Sleep Geek, James Wilson, explains how this widely used European sleeping style can enhance both sleep quality and relationship harmony.
He also shares expert advice on how to introduce the idea to your partner – without any awkwardness.
“Forget fighting over the covers or feeling every toss and turn; German couples have mastered the art of sleeping together without disturbing each other,” he explains.
“Instead of one double mattress, they opt for two single ones within the same bed frame, paired with separate duvets for ultimate comfort and uninterrupted rest.
“Beyond solving the issue of stolen blankets, this setup allows each partner to choose a mattress tailored to their individual comfort preferences – supporting their body weight and sleeping style.
“One partner can choose a softer mattress, while the other opts for a firmer one—no compromise needed.
“A bed that fails to support your spine’s natural alignment can lead to discomfort, soreness, and even chronic pain; so this approach can significantly improve overall health.
“Another key benefit? Minimal movement disturbances. With separate mattresses and bottom sheets, one person’s tossing and turning won’t disrupt the other’s sleep.
“Well-rested couples tend to be happier, more patient, and communicate better.
“This setup is especially beneficial for partners with different sleep schedules.
Involving your partner in the process will help them see this isn’t about creating distance
James Wilson
“Whether one wakes up at dawn for work or the other is a night owl, this method dramatically reduces disturbances and helps prevent unnecessary arguments caused by sleep deprivation.
“While investing in a new mattress isn’t a small decision, this approach can help couples avoid resorting to a complete sleep divorce.
“You’re still sharing a bed—just with a little more personal space.
“You can still cuddle when you want and have those before-bed chats, but with enhanced comfort and choice, this sleeping style promotes the best possible rest.”
Brits choose home-cooked date nights
FORGET pricey restaurant bills, long waits for tables, and the hassle of finding childcare – dining at home is making a comeback.
More people are putting their screens away and gathering around the table to enjoy home-cooked meals with friends.
- Over 1 in 3 (36%) Brits now host a dinner party at least once a month.
- Themed gatherings are on the rise, with nearly 1 in 5 (17%) under-34s noticing the trend. Additionally, 22% enjoy crafting activities after their meal, while a quarter (24%) of under-44s take pride in ‘tablescaping’—decorating their dining setup.
- Almost half (46%) of Brits make a conscious effort to put their phones away at dinner parties, a number that rises to 56% among Gen Z.
- British cuisine remains the go-to choice for home cooking, but adventurous palates are embracing global flavours. Soy sauce, sweet chilli, and Indian curry top the list of favourite condiments and spices.
- The M&S Food‘Taste of the Nation Report’ launches alongside the upgraded Slow Cooked range, featuring globally inspired dishes that reflect the evolving tastes of British diners.
So, how do you introduce this idea to your partner without it feeling like a step back in intimacy?
A recent survey found that nearly two in five (37%) couples sleep in separate beds while on holiday – and report better sleep because of it. Why not bring that same comfort home?
James Wilson shares his top tips for approaching the conversation:
“Many worry this discussion could make them feel ‘less close,’ but research shows that sleeping apart can actually lead to healthier relationships. So, how do you bring it up?
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
“First, keep the conversation open-ended and assure them you’re happy to hear their thoughts.
“Involving your partner in the process will help them see this isn’t about creating distance—it’s about strengthening your relationship.
“Framing it as a trial can also help. Emphasise that it’s just an experiment to see if it improves your sleep and dynamic—nothing is set in stone.
“When discussing it, highlight the benefits. Maybe you’re a light sleeper, and separate mattresses could prevent motion transfer from waking you up at night.
The goal is to stay open to experimenting and finding what works best for both of you
James Wilson
“Remind them that 35% of couples already use ‘unusual’ sleeping habits, and more partners are embracing new methods.
“If you decide to try it, schedule regular check-ins to see how you’re both adjusting. Setting time aside for open discussions fosters a positive space for feedback and tweaks.
“As with any aspect of a relationship, flexibility is key. If this method doesn’t work, there are plenty of other ways to improve sleep – from earplugs to white noise machines.
“The goal is to stay open to experimenting and finding what works best for both of you.”
How bad sleep affects weight
Previously in The Sun, experts explained how sleep is closely linked with weight.
Disrupts hunger hormones
Ghrelin is a hormone released after the brain signals the stomach is empty, while leptin is released from fat cells to suppress hunger – and tell the brain it’s full.
Studies have shown that when you don’t get enough shut-eye, the body makes more ghrelin and less leptin – leaving you more hungry.
One study of 12 men led by University of Chicago showed two days of sleep deprivation drove leptin levels in the blood down by 18 per cent, while increasing ghrelin by 28 per cent.
The men reported a 24 per cent increase in their hunger and appetite compared to when they were given two restful nights.
More time to eat
The less you are asleep, the more you are awake. This gives more of an opportunity to eat.
In the modern day world, people are awake for up to 17 hours at a time – 7am till 12pm. It leaves a huge window for being awake and eating.
If you’re struggling with both your weight and sleep, try finishing your meals three to four hours before bed time. That might mean limiting your eating window from 9am until 6pm.
Reach for takeaways
If you have a weird sleeping pattern, chances are your eating schedule is also off-whack.
Struggling to sleep can see us turn to convenience – takeaways, ready meals, oven foods and more, whi;e being energised gives us more motivation to cook healthily.
Eat more calories than normal
Studies suggest that the less sleep you get, the more calorie-dense food you choose to eat.
One study in Chicago found that men ate more food at a buffet after four consecutive night’s of rough sleep compared with when they were rested.
They consumed around 340 calories more, mostly because they ate more snacks and carbohydrate-rich food.
Researchers from King’s College London also found that adults consumed an additional 385 calories – the equivalent of one and a half Mars Bars – on days after they were deprived of kip by combining the results of 11 previous studies.
More desire for food
Foods, especially those high in calories, are more appetising when we are sleep deprived because we subconsciously know they will boost our energy.
A German study showed the lengths sleepy people would go to for calorific snacks using 32 healthy men.
After a normal dinner and either a restful or restless night’s sleep, the men were given three Euros to spend on snacks and told to bid the maximum amount they were willing to spend on each item.
When sleep deprived. participants were willing to pay extra for the junk food items – which they were allowed to eat afterwards – suggesting a stronger desire.
Fat storage more likely
Scientists have warned that not getting enough sleep changes how the body deals with food, which could then lead to weight gain.
One study showed that men who ate a large bowl of chilli mac and cheese after four nights of bad sleep reacted differently to the food than those who were well-rested.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University said blood tests showed lipids (fats) from foods were cleared faster, suggesting they were being stored almost instantly.
The process did not spring back to its normal rate even after the men were given a long night’s sleep.