Your current sleeping arrangement is not as comfortable as you’d like. Your partner is always hogging the comforter (or perhaps you are the culprit). One of you is hot and the other cold. But you don’t want to sleep separately because you like having that time together and enjoy the feeling of waking up in the morning next to your other half.
There is a solution to your sleep troubles without having to sleep in different beds (or rooms).
The Scandinavian Sleep Method allows you to sleep in the same bed as your partner but with separate comforters. There are several benefits to having your own duvet, but there are also some disadvantages. We will dive into the pros and cons associated with the Scandinavian Sleep Method so you and your partner can decide if it makes sense for you.
What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?
The Scandinavian Sleep Method is a sleeping practice where a couple sleeps in the same bed but each person has their own comforter or duvet so that they can control their own comfort preferences. This allows each person to adjust how warm or cool their sleeping experience is without affecting the other person.
Why is it Called The Scandinavian Sleep Method?
The Scandinavian Sleep Method originates in the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. It is standard for couples in these countries to sleep with their own comforter instead of sharing a larger one that goes across the entire bed.
Scandinavian Sleep Method: How to Make the Bed
We always recommend starting with a mattress protector to cover the entire mattress from spills, stains, and accidents. This is our favorite organic waterproof mattress protector.
Then add your fitted sheet. Natural fibers are an excellent way to keep your bed cool and breathable. An organic cotton sheet set is ideal since it is also free from pesticides, formaldehyde, toxic dyes, and other harmful chemicals that can be found in synthetic sheets.
Scandinavian countries don’t typically use a flat sheet so if you want to stay true to the Scandinavian Sleep Method, you should forgo it.
The key element to Scandinavian Sleep Method bedding is separate duvets. One duvet will be placed on the left side of the bed, and the other will be placed on the right side of the bed so that each person has their own.
Each duvet can either be the exact same or totally different depending on your preferences. One person may want a thicker duvet because they get cold at night, while the other may want something very thin because they sleep warm.
We recommend a duvet insert filled with wool. Wool is incredibly breathable and temperature-regulating. It allows you to sleep cool in the summer but warm in the winter, making it a versatile choice for year-round use.
You may also add separate blankets as well if you want an additional layer.
Scandinavian Sleep Method Benefits
There are several benefits to utilizing the Scandinavian Sleep Method but here are three major ones.
- No hogging the comforter: If your partner tends to wrap themselves up in the comforter, leaving you cold in the night or constantly having a tug of war, the Scandinavian Sleep Method solves this problem. By having your very own duvet all to yourself, you’re not needing to share. This can prevent you from having your sleep disturbed at night.
- Individual temperature control: If your partner tends to sleep hot but you need that extra layer to keep you from freezing at night, having your very own duvet is an excellent option. This allows you to have your side of the bed as warm and toasty as you want without forcing your partner to share those layers. Your partner can completely forgo a comforter and choose to use a thin blanket instead. Everyone is happy and comfortable!
- Stay in the same bed (no sleep divorce): There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to sleep separately and in fact it can be very healthy for some couples. It is a personal decision based on a variety of factors (sleep schedules, snoring, etc). However, if you wish to sleep in the same bed but want a little bit more customization to your individual comfort, the Scandinavian Sleep Method gives you more flexibility without sacrificing that desired closeness. Don’t forget to also customize your mattress.
Scandinavian Sleep Method Downsides
- Not as visually pleasing: Even if both duvets are exactly the same, it is still not as beautiful to look at as one large duvet draped over the entire bed. There is a seam down the middle where the two duvets meet. They may be different colors, different loft, or different materials. One side of the bed may have more than one layer, making the entire look of the bed uneven.
- Top Sheet is not used: Every sheet set in the US typically comes with a top sheet. A top sheet is not used in this sleep method, so it is simply wasted. It also means that you will have to wash your duvet cover and blankets more often since you don’t have that protective layer between the duvet and your skin.
- Sizing can be difficult: While you simply need two Twin XL duvets if you have a King size mattress, a Full or Queen is slightly more difficult to deal with. The best option is two Twin duvets, but they won’t fit perfectly on these sizes.
- Potential decreased intimacy: Because you don’t share the same comforter, there is more of a divide, so cuddling will be a little more awkward but still possible. You can always have the duvets off the bed at first and then add them when you’re ready to actually sleep.
Is The Scandinavian Sleep Method Right for You?
We hope this article gave you some insight into this unique sleep method. The first step to better sleep is speaking with your partner to determine where your sleep routine needs work and what you both are willing to try. This is an issue many couples face, so don’t feel defeated! We hope restful, comfortable sleep is in your near future.