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ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- According to the Better Sleep Council's relationship expert Lissa Coffey, couples having trouble under the sheets can significantly help improve their relationship by catching extra winks together in bed. While many couples can live happily together, they can't sleep well side by side.
A good night's sleep is restorative to our mind and body, gives us energy and improves our mood -- all attributes that will naturally make us better partners in our romantic relationships. On the other hand, a poor night's sleep, often the result of couples' mismatched sleep styles, can be a major problem for sleep partners. Consumer studies from BSC found that on average, one in three Americans reported that their partner's sleep problems negatively impact their own quality of sleep.
"Sleeping together is an important way for couples to feel connected with each other. If you or your partner aren't sleeping well, it can take a toll on your relationship," says Coffey. "Common sense tells us that if you wake up tired and cranky, chances are you aren't going to be the most loving person."
Karin Mahoney, director of communications of the BSC, adds, "Oklahoma State University research shows that 64 percent of Americans improved the quality of their sleep with a new mattress. So, the best way to ensure a good night's sleep is to evaluate your mattress and consider replacing it if it is five to seven years old or older."
If your mattress is less than five to seven years old, but you and your partner are still suffering from poor sleep, your partner's sleep habits may be the problem. This Valentine's Day, bring harmony back to the bedroom and your relationship with these sleep solutions from relationship expert Lissa Coffey and the BSC:
1. Problem: Your partner kicks in his or her sleep, waking you up.
Solution: Make sure your bed gives each person adequate sleep surface. If you are sharing a double (full-size) mattress, that only gives each
person as much room as sleeping in a crib! Couples should share a
mattress no smaller than queen-size.
2. Problem: Your partner likes it hot, but you like it cool.
Solution: Temperature is a major issue in many relationships. Ideally, your bedroom should be a cool 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. But a few simple adjustments can make it possible for a person who craves heat and a person who craves cool to sleep side by side comfortably.
-- Double fold the blankets so there is more coverage on one side.
-- Invest in a dual-control electric blanket or a twin-size electric blanket for one side.
3. Problem: Your partner snores, keeping you up at night.
Solution: Snoring can be a serious health concern, so make sure to
consult your physician. If your partner's snoring is not a serious health condition, try alternative treatments like investing in anti-snore pillows, sprays or nasal strips that are designed to help people breathe more easily. If your partner's snoring persists, try foam earplugs before you try a different room.
4. Problem: Your partner tosses and turns.
Solution: It may be your mattress. If your mattress is uncomfortable, it can lead to restless sleep. Mattresses should be evaluated every five to seven years for comfort and support.
5. Problem: Your partner loves to cuddle, but you like your space while
you sleep.
Solution: Compromise. Before falling asleep spend some time snuggling together and then agree to sleep apart.
6. Problem: Your sleep schedules don't match.
Solution: Try finding a bedtime that works for both of you. If your partner turns in early and you're a night owl, try reading a book with a personal book lamp until you're ready to nod off. If you're an early riser compared to your sleep partner, be considerate in the early morning. Keep overhead lights off and use minimal lighting while your partner is sleeping.
7. Problem: Your bedroom feels more like an office than a place to sleep.
Solution: Your bedroom should only be used for sleep and sex. Keep work, laptops, PDAs and televisions out of the bedroom. This creates a much more relaxing and romantic atmosphere, and will give you both a better night's sleep.
Beyond negatively impacting your romantic relationship, a bad night's sleep affects your mood, work and relationships with others. Sleep, like proper diet and exercise, is essential to your overall well-being.
For more information on how to get a better night's sleep, improve your bedroom environment or tips on how to shop for a mattress, visit http://www.BetterSleep.org.
About the Better Sleep Council: The Better Sleep Council (BSC) is a nonprofit organization endowed by the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), the trade association for the mattress industry. With a quarter of a century invested in improving America's quality of sleep, BSC educates consumers on the critical link between sleep and health, as well as the role of the sleep environment, primarily through an informative consumer Web site http://www.bettersleep.org, partner support and proactive consumer media outreach.
About Lissa Coffey:
Lissa Coffey is a relationship expert, author and broadcast journalist. An Internet celebrity, she writes for eight different Web sites, including coffeytalk.com and whatsyourdosha.com. "CoffeyTalk: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Style," is an Internet television show seen on YouTube and iTunes.
SOURCE Better Sleep Council
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