'Sleep divorce' on vacation: Travel trend has couples 'breaking up' at bedtime

The Virginia-based hospitality company said nearly two-thirds of travelers, or 63%, admit that they sleep better when they're alone.

In 2023, "sleep divorce" was explored in a survey by the Illinois-based American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), with couples saying they were sleeping in separate rooms to "prioritize sleep."

Men were more likely to sleep elsewhere, with 45% of them saying they do so "occasionally or consistently," compared to 25% of women, the survey said.

"Potential pros can be less bickering or frustration if you are in too close quarters together. [It] could even boost connection for some people reporting that they feel closer since they're not waking up a little bit resentful [after] a bad night's sleep," she added.

"In the past, sharing the marital bed or sharing a bed was seen as a hallmark of closeness in the relationship, and now I think couples are able to prioritize what works best in their relationship."

"Another key element is that we are so much more aware of the value of sleep," Thiry said.

Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, agreed that some couples are opting to sleep separately while on vacation with the "goal of improving sleep quality."

Troxel told Fox News Digital, "This trend reflects a growing awareness that sleep is crucial not only for personal health and well-being but also for relationship health."

Research "consistently shows" that sleep problems can lead to symptoms of increased irritability, poorer problem-solving skills and greater conflict, Troxel noted in her book, "Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep."

"All of which can negatively impact relationships," she told Fox News Digital. 

"However, if considering this option, it's crucial to keep the dialogue open to make sure both partners' needs are being met and to avoid feelings of abandonment or rejection."

To maintain intimacy with a partner, Troxel recommended setting aside time for "closeness" before bedtime.

"It is often the time before going to sleep that is most important for maintaining connection and intimacy," she said. 

Sleeping separately is a decision unique to each relationship, according to Troxel, who emphasized there is "no one-size-fits-all strategy."

She added, "If sleeping apart results in better sleep and happier days, it may indeed lead to happier relationships for some couples."

"As sleep tourism has evolved, the conversations have also strengthened, with topics like 'sleep divorce' expected to increase in 2025," the spokesperson noted.

For travelers looking to partake in the "sleep divorce" trend, some hotels offer connecting rooms, "as they allow families or couples to stay close while still enjoying the sleep quality that separate beds and rooms can offer," the spokesperson said.