Want a Happy Relationship? You’ll Hate This Doctor’s Advice

If I had a dollar for every person I knew that said they "hate people" I would be writing this article from a beachfront villa in Jamaica. Obviously, the events of recent years, pandemics, politics, and life in general, have taken a toll on how we relate to or want to relate with others around us.

To have some animosity toward your fellow man is expected. However, when that fellow man or fellow woman is identified as your "dearly beloved" or "soul mate" what can you do when you don't like being around them?

When married couples or couples, in general, have issues they usually strive to "spend more time together". While that advice appears to work well on soap operas and daytime talk shows there is one relationship doctor who doesn't ascribe to that philosophy, at least in a way that most of us can relate to.

In fact, Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and lecturer at the University of Sunderland is suggesting a Sleep Divorce.

Okay, it's not as drastic as it sounds nor is it permanent but it could be a simple solution to helping you iron out one of the biggest issues between married couples. That issue? Exhaustion.

Again, if I had a dollar scenario, how many of you would be rich if every friend who told you they were "tired" gave you a dollar? We are all walking around sleep-deprived and this affects our health, our mood, and our attitude toward those we love.

Dr Rajan explains that despite the fact that we are bound in Holy Matrimony, we still need our space and that's not just social space. It's "sleeping space" too. Dr. Rajan suggests that sleeping in separate beds would allow each individual to go through their sleep cycles without any unintended interruption.

This can be especially helpful for women who are going through what is commonly referred to as "the change". The fluctuation in body temperature often means air conditioners as low as they can go and thick heavy blankets too. To quote social media, If you know, you know. One lady suggested it was like having her own private summer. 

The idea isn't as outlandish as you might think. Currently, about 25% of married couples sleep in separate beds and the majority of those couples have reported an improvement in their relationship. It's so much easier to be in love and be tolerant when you're not so exhausted.

It's funny how many of life's issues, problems, and medical maladies can be improved with the proper amount of sleep. Whether you do that in a separate bed or choose to fight with your significant other over the covers, make sure you're getting your rest. You'll feel a lot better if you do.