The Health Benefits of Sleeping Solo
Nothing like a bit of quiet and solitude when you need some deep sleep.
Most people claim to sleep better when snuggled up next to their significant other. But a new study shows that couples frequently rouse one another. They wake up 30 percent of the time when their partner does.
Telltale Signs of Sleep Problems
So what's the solution? Figure out a way you both can sleep soundly. Get snoring problems like sleep apnea treated. And don't be shy about spending a night or two in another room if your significant other is congested. At least until his or her nose clears up. As a last resort, you can consider bunking up in different beds once in a while. After all, sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder.
The Science of Sleep
Sleep problems are a big deal. And certain sleep problems, like sleep apnea, can put you at higher risk for other conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. If you usually wake up feeling unrefreshed, consider these RealAge pearls of wisdom about sleep:
- Test your sleep quality with this quick quiz.
- Find out how exercising your mouth muscles may help decrease symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Figure out how much sleep you need to make your RealAge younger.
Watch this video to find out if there's ever a time when skimping on sleep is okay.
RealAge Benefit:
Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night can make your RealAge as much as 3 years younger.
Exploring the interdependence of couples' rest-wake cycles: an actigraphic study. Meadows, R. et al., Chronobiology International 2009 Jan;26(1):80-92.
