Separate beds for one in ten couples

Ten per cent of British couples sleep in separate beds, according to new research. More than a quarter of British couples say snoring is the main factor forcing them to sleep alone followed by rows. The figures come from a survey of 2,000 people by sofa company DistinctiveChesterfields.com.

It found that 14 per cent of couples in Yorkshire sleep separately with 13 per cent of the Welsh having a bed to them.

Around 13 per cent of couples in the North West are in the same situation with 12 per cent of East Anglian couple sleeping alone.

A quarter of those surveyed blamed their partner's snoring for driving them to separate beds, while others admitted that having an argument was the reason for sleeping separately.

The data also showed 39 per cent of Brits argue with their partner once a week or more, with an average argument lasting 2 hours and 5 minutes, however they resulted in a fifth of couples sleeping apart for at least two days.

Over 55s were the most likely to let bad blood linger, with one in six sleeping alone for three nights or longer, whereas the 18-24 year olds claimed to have things worked out before bedtime.

The study also revealed that untidiness was the biggest reason for to couples arguing, followed by money, driving and family.

Men were more likely to complain about their partner's driving, housework or what to watch on TV, whereas women were more concerned with the frequency of their partner going out and money issues.

The most common place to sleep following an argument is the spare room (35.7 per cent), followed by on the sofa (32.1 percent) and, strangely, in the bath (7.5 per cent).

Women stood strong, with one in five saying it would be their partner who was made to sleep elsewhere.

Meanwhile, 13 per cent of partners said they would never go to sleep on an argument and 8 per cent of those surveyed said they had never argued..

Steve Laidlaw, director at DistinctiveChesterfields.com, said: 'As our data shows, arguments can have a real effect on the state of our marital beds, and it's shocking to see that one in ten couples are sleeping alone.

'When we think of our beds, we imagine a safe place to relax at the end of a hard day. Couples should always try to resolve disagreements before going to bed. If you do, you'll find you can get a much better night's sleep.'

Source: Daily Mail

(Dhaka times/3 November/SUL)