Almost a third of UK couples say that increased stress over the festive months makes their sleep issues even worse- with sleep disturbance ravaging relationships, according to new research from sleep technology company, Emma.

Family stress (29%), work stress (28%) and financial stress (24%) are causing sleep issues to worsen for suffering British couples over the festive months- driving them to the brink during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

These Christmas sleep troubles come on top of a year-round sleep epidemic affecting 60% of UK couples, who are keeping each other awake from sharing a bed- with general stress and insomnia leading causes. As a result of these issues, more than a half (51%) of couples in the UK are resorting to sleeping in separate beds, or one person sleeps on the sofa.

Not surprisingly, changing sleeping arrangements is dividing couples, causing irritation for 28%, and significant negative effects including arguments for over 1 in 10 (13%). 5% have considered a temporary or permanent break up as a result of their desperate change in sleeping arrangements.

Dr. Verena Senn, neuroscientist and head of Emma’s Sleep Expert Taskforce comments, “Sleeping separately may be a common solution for couples experiencing sleep issues, however it is worth exploring solutions; studies have shown that sharing a bed can help to strengthen relationships and lower stress. This is thanks to the activity couples engage in while in bed, such as cuddling, that increase levels of the hormone oxytocin which is known to improve our mood.

“The good news is that often there are simple solutions that couples can take to resolve the issue, thanks to technology available today. Mattresses today can significantly help when couples have issues with partner movement and body temperature regulation. But for snoring, more invasive steps may need to be taken”.

Dr Verena Senn’s tips for couples include:

• Using a mattress with foam technology that significantly minimises the impact of partner movement, for example Visco-elastic memory foam
• Trying a memory foam mattress as they adapt to the shape of each individual in bed, without impacting their partner

To download “Couplenomics: The UK’s Couple Sleep Report 2019”,  and for further information, visit https://www.emma-mattress.co.uk/sleep-report/