Sleep expert says common tactic could transform how your sleep

A sleep expert unveiled an unconventional method that some are adopting to enhance their sleep quality, claiming it could be the secret to a more restful night.

Getting a decent night’s sleep can be difficult and many struggle to nod off each night. This can prove to be even trickier if you and your partner have different sleeping habits.

Some people unintentionally steal the duvet, others like to tightly wrap themselves up in the covers, while some completely kick off any duvet or blankets. The Scandinavian sleep method is gaining traction as couples look for effective ways to improve their sleep patterns.

This approach involves each person having their own separate single duvet on a shared double bed. Andrew Seed, managing director at The Odd Company and a leading mattress expert, has offered his perspective on benefits of this trend.

He said: “The Scandinavian sleep method prevents issues like one partner hogging the covers or another overheating, while still allowing the intimacy of sharing a bed.

“This sleep method can be great for both relationships and individual health. By having your own duvets, you can create your perfect sleep set-up, which in turn can allow you to sleep more, and deeper.

“Sleep is crucial for supporting healthy brain function. In fact, sleep deficiency is linked with the likes of heart disease, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. So, if sleeping methods can help improve our sleep, we’re all for adopting them.”

The expert also lauds the method for its positive impact on relationships as it prevents one partner from monopolising or snatching the duvet, thus “eliminating one of the most common sources of night-time tension, allowing sleep to feel more intimate and conflict-free”.

We all have our own preferences when it comes to the right duvet and what works for one may not work for our partner. Andrew recommends learning more about your personal preferences, as well as your body temperature.

He added: “Selecting the right material and tog rating can make all the difference. For those who tend to get warm at night, a lighter duvet filled with materials like feathers or down can help regulate your temperature and prevent overheating.

“On the other hand, if you often feel the cold, a heavier duvet with insulating fillings and a higher tog rating can provide the extra warmth you need for a restful night. With the Scandinavian sleep method, both hot and cold sleepers can tailor their bedding to suit their needs, ensuring a comfortable sleep without one sweating or another shivering.”

This method, which seems to be rather new in the UK, is relatively common in other European countries. In a recent thread on Reddit, many people shared it’s the way they’ve always gone to bed and advised others to follow suit.

One individual admitted: “I’m Swedish and it honestly didn’t occur to me that people would not do this. Having a duvet each is great. Especially because I tend to steal duvets and blankets in my sleep if we don’t have one each.”

Another revealed: “I’m South African and I was the only one I’ve known doing this. Been married for over ten years and could never ever share a blanket.”

A third remarked: “Scandinavian sleep method sounds weird, when I haven’t known anything different than using two different duvets/blankets. As far as I know, each person having their own duvet/blanket is the norm where I live (Germany).”

And another enthused: “My partner and I have always slept with our own duvets like this and it’s amazing. 10/10 would recommend.”