Luisa Tam

The Naked Truth | Should you get a sleep divorce? Pros and cons of sleeping in separate bedrooms, which can even benefit couples’ sex lives

Sleeping separately can help manage anxiety, foster mutual respect and lots more, though an expert says affectionate couples who share a bed get more REM sleep

In space-deprived Hong Kong, couples can use earplugs, eye masks or temperature-control mattress covers to sleep better, or opt for two single beds

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The idea of ‘sleep divorce’ hit the headlines recently after Cameron Diaz espoused its benefits. Here are the pros and cons of couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, which can even benefit their sex lives. Photo: Shutterstock

Luisa Tam

Published: 8:15am, 13 Apr 2024

The concept of “sleep divorce” has garnered much attention recently because of its endorsement by Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz.

Diaz supports couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, saying that it can establish clear boundaries for personal space and ultimately lead to improved sleep quality. This, in turn, can help in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety, which may otherwise strain a relationship.

Her bold statement, “Love should not get in the way of a good night of sleep”, has sparked diverse reactions from both supporters and critics.

I am acquainted with three couples who have embraced this practice for years, with one couple even maintaining adjacent separate flats while remaining happily married for decades.

Cameron Diaz, who is married to Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte, has said we should normalise couples sleeping in separate bedrooms. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Proponents argue that sleeping separately can enhance both sleep and mental well-being, particularly benefiting parents of young children.