The Matt Walker Podcast
#78 - Sleep & Relationships with Dr. Wendy Troxel
Jul 29, 2024
Dr. Wendy Troxel, a renowned sleep and behavioral scientist, discusses how sleep affects relationships. She reveals that 61% of adults share a bed, illustrating the social dynamics of sleep. Troxel explores how historical sleep practices have evolved and how modern disruptions like snoring and differing preferences can create relational challenges. Emphasizing the importance of communication, she encourages couples to understand their own chronotypes. Her research advocates for tailored strategies to enhance both sleep quality and relationship health.
01:14:22
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Wendy Troxel highlights that shared sleep has significant social implications for relationships, as about 61% of adults share a bed with a partner.
- The evolution of societal sleep arrangements reflects changing norms, from communal sleeping in medieval times to separate beds in the Victorian era.
Deep dives
The Importance of Shared Sleep Dynamics
A significant portion of adults, around 61%, share a bed with a partner, highlighting the social nature of sleep that has often been overlooked in sleep research. Historically, societal perceptions of shared versus separate sleeping arrangements have shifted dramatically, from communal sleeping in medieval times to the Victorian ideal of separate beds for reasons like hygiene and prestige. This evolving view has created a stigma around couples choosing to sleep apart, often associating it with relationship issues. However, research indicates that sleeping arrangements should be considered on a case-by-case basis, acknowledging that both sleeping together and sleeping apart may have unique benefits depending on the couple.
