Snoring, hogging the duvet and Guinness farts after a night out: these are all reasons why it can be hard to share a bed with your other half sometimes. However, did you know that a good nights sleep has the power to save your relationship? Yes, really.
A new study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, has revealed that sleep deprivation due to disturbances during the night can make it harder for you to actually value your partner.
So if you can’t get your usual eight hours because he’s flipping around in the bed like a crazy fish, you may find that the two of you are fighting more than usual. And likewise, if you’re not feeling the love from himself, it could be because he’s having trouble getting to sleep.
“Poor sleep may make us more selfish as we prioritize our own needs over our partner’s,” said Amie Gordon, a psychologist from the University of California.
“You may have slept like a baby, but if your partner didn’t, you’ll probably both end up grouchy,” she added.
Try going to bed earlier and having a cuddle before you nod off for the night
Researchers discovered the link between relationship harmony and a good night’s sleep by studying over 60 couples. In one experiment, these couples were asked to keep a diary of their sleep patterns and whether their sleep had an impact on how much they valued their other half.
Unsurprisingly, the results showed that people who struggled to get some shut eye actually had a harder time appreciating their partners in their day-to-day lives.
So if you’re struggling to get some shuteye with your other half what can you do to remedy the situation?
Researchers recommend shutting off the TV, getting into bed early and enjoying a few cuddles before you turn the lights off. This will help you to feel more connected to your partner, which will result in a better night’s sleep.
It also helps to voice your appreciation more often.
“Make sure to say ‘thanks’ when your partner does something nice. Let them know you appreciate them,” said Amie Gordon.
Why not try giving your man a cuddle and saying ‘thank you’ before you hit the hay tonight? You could end up having the best night’s sleep of you life.
