The 8 Sleep Habits that Are Driving Your Partner Nuts

You go to sleep too early—or late

Is one of you a night owl and the other an early bird? While at first it might seem like a mere personal preference, it’s actually a genetic predisposition. “We have this genetic propensity for sleep drive and timing from the PER3gene, which can have an effect on when you go to bed, eat meals, and even when you want to have sex,” explains Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of the bestseller GOOD NIGHT. While it’s completely natural that partners don’t always have the same sleep schedule, forcing one to adhere to another’s schedule isn’t the best solution. For example, if you need more sleep than your spouse, forcing yourself to go to bed at the same time and wake at the same time might lead to sleep issues. To reduce awakenings while the night owl prepares for bed, use “low-blue-light night lights.” These night lights have lower levels of the blue wave spectrum of light and don’t disturb sleep as much as traditional light. White noise machines are also helpful in reducing disturbance due to noise. Check out the things good sleepers have in their bedrooms.