Many people fail to reach the 7-9 hours of sleep recommended by doctors, but a simple technique from northern Europe promises to transform rest for couples. The “Scandinavian method” offers the solution that preserves privacy, while also improving the quality of sleep, making it more restful and pleasant.
The reasons why poor quality sleep is so widespread are numerous, and for some people the problem lies in seemingly minor but disturbing details. Michelle Polizzi told Reader’s Digest that everything changed for her when she started using the so-called Scandinavian method of sleep.
What is the Scandinavian method of sleep
The Scandinavian sleeping method is a form of co-sleeping (sleeping in the same bed) where each partner has their own duvet. The practice has long been part of the culture of Nordic countries, including Iceland and Norway, but is also found in other European states such as Austria and Germany. The approach starts from a practical philosophy, centered on well-being, where everyone prioritizes their comfort without this creating tension in the couple.
Why is it so effective?
The Scandinavian method of sleep prevents the famous problem a “stolen blanket” which inevitably occurs when two people share the same duvet. But the benefits are many, many of them also supported by scientific studies:
Regulates body temperature
Temperature plays an essential role in the sleep cycle. The body changes its temperature according to the stages of sleep, and any disturbance can lead to night awakenings.
In addition, some people sleep longer “warm”while others tend to feel cold and need a thicker duvet. The Scandinavian method takes these differences into account, allowing everyone to choose the right duvet for them.
Allows different sleep schedules
Although ideally we would go to bed and wake up at the same times, in reality this varies from day to day. Often, partners have different sleep schedules. When the partner gets into bed or gets up to go to the bathroom, or turns around, they no longer lift the edge of the shared blanket, avoiding that cold air current that interrupts deep sleep.
The Scandinavian method allows everyone to follow their own rhythm without disturbing the other, unlike a single shared quilt that can create discomfort.
Prevents “divorce in bed”
Sleeping in the same bed has important psychological benefits, including increased intimacy and emotional connection as a couple. Married couples who sleep together (if they have the right sleep pattern) may also have better REM sleep, which is associated with better memory, mental health and longevity.
However, when sleep is of poor quality, these benefits disappear. Some couples even reach the so-called “bed divorce”meaning sleeping in separate beds or rooms to protect their rest.
Scandinavian style offers a middle ground: keep sleeping together, but with a high level of customization for each partner.
How to use the Scandinavian method of sleep
Use two similar quilts
Place them side by side on the double bed. Choose matching duvet covers so the bed looks neat when it’s made.
Couples with different preferences can choose duvets of different thicknesses (for example, one thicker and one thinner) while still maintaining the same general look of the bed.
Scandinavians sometimes fold their quilts in half, lengthwise, creating a sort of “taco” of down that you can nestle in completely.
Add an extra blanket
If you want the bed to look like in the magazines, you can put a large blanket over both duvets during the day.
