The Scandi Sleep Method: Why Separate Bedding is Better for Couples

We get it – the midnight tug-of-war is real. One of you is a human radiator, the other’s forever reaching for extra blankets. Sound familiar?

What if we told you there’s a solution that’s been keeping Scandinavians peacefully asleep for generations? The Scandinavian Sleep Method isn’t about sleeping apart: it’s about sleeping better together. By swapping one shared duvet for two separate ones, you each get your own personal comfort zone while still sharing the same bed. Here’s why this simple switch might just transform your nights (and your relationship):

Everyone sleeps differently; some of us run hot, others cold. With separate duvets, each partner can pick their ideal weight or tog rating without compromise. You can also switch duvets with the seasons – think lightweight linen in summer and cosy winter bedding as it gets colder – without affecting your partner’s comfort. This helps prevent overheating, cold feet, and midnight duvet battles, allowing you both to drift off more easily.

Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, M.D., medical director of sleep medicine at Millennium Physician Group, says:

“Some individuals may have a preference when it comes to body temperature at night, and using separate blankets can help with that. Or you might sleep with a partner who is a blanket hog, therefore having your own blanket could be beneficial.”

Whether you’re a midnight fidgeter or you’re the one who needs three bathroom trips, separate bedding helps keep the peace. Studies show that couples who sleep under separate covers experience fewer nighttime disruptions and better overall sleep quality.

Separate bedding means less sweat, hair, and skin transfer between partners, which can actually improve cleanliness and make bedding easier to wash and maintain. It also helps extend the lifespan of your duvets and keeps your bed feeling fresher for longer. Learn how often you should change your sheets for a cleaner rest.

Better sleep equals better mood, more patience, and a deeper connection. Poor sleep is linked to stress, irritability, and even relationship strain. Separate bedding supports both your rest and your relationship, because a good night’s sleep makes for happier mornings together.

Learn more about why we need sleep or find out how good your rest is with our Sleep Health Calculator.

If you’re ready to change up how you and your loved one sleep, then here are a few tips for the Scandinavian Sleep Method:

• Start simple: Use two single duvets instead of one large one on your shared bed.
• Customise comfort: Choose duvets that suit each partner’s sleep style – lightweight for hot sleepers, and heavier for those who sleep cold. Our duvet buying guide can help you find the right one for you.
• Pick your pillow: Everyone has different support needs, so make sure your pillow suits your sleeping position to prevent neck or shoulder aches.
• Overlap or decorate: Let duvets meet in the middle, or layer a large throw on top for a cohesive, tidy look.
• Go full Scandi in the bedroom: Create a calm, minimalist sleep space with natural textures, neutral tones, and cosy fibres like linen or wool for ultimate relaxation. Explore our deep dive into Scandi bedroom designs and how to nail the trend.
• Keep it cosy: Cuddle before bed, then retreat under your own covers for uninterrupted sleep.
• Make adjustments: For example, consider using a larger blanket on top and individual blankets underneath, or placing two single beds in the same room.

By using separate bedding, you can regulate your temperature, reduce disturbances, and create a personal sleep space – while still enjoying the closeness of sharing a bed. Although it may take some adjustment, the benefits make it well worth the effort. Whether you’re a hot sleeper, a blanket hog, or simply craving uninterrupted sleep, two duvets could be the small change that transforms your nights and mornings together.