In a recent interview on the "Lipstick on the Rim" podcast, actress Cameron Diaz shared her belief that separate bedrooms should be normalized, stating, "To me, I would literally - I have my house, you have yours. We have the family house in the middle. I will go and sleep in my room. You go sleep in your room. I'm fine." Diaz, who is married to Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte, believes that having a shared bedroom in the middle for intimate moments would be ideal.

Diaz is not the only one who finds the idea of separate bedrooms appealing. More and more people are turning to the concept of "sleep divorce," which involves sleeping separately from their partners to avoid sleep disturbances. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, over a third of Americans occasionally or consistently sleep in another room.

Experts suggest that there can be potential benefits to sleeping separately. Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, a consultant to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, explains that when one partner has a sleep disorder, it can negatively impact the other sleeper. For example, if one partner suffers from insomnia, both partners tend to wake up at the same time. Additionally, differing sleep preferences, such as being a night owl or an early bird, can also affect both partners' sleep.

Daniel Shade, a sleep specialist with Allegheny Health Network, advises couples to be honest with themselves about whether there is a sleep problem. Factors such as snoring, restlessness, early morning work schedules, frequent bathroom visits, and differing preferences in light, temperature, or TV usage can disrupt sleep. However, if there are no sleep issues, Shade believes that sleeping in the same bed is better, as it releases oxytocin and other chemicals that promote feelings of closeness.

On social media platforms like TikTok, the hashtag #sleepdivorce has gained popularity, with over 355,000 views. Many individuals are sharing their experiences and discussing the benefits of sleeping separately for a better night's sleep. However, it is worth noting that sleeping with a partner can also have advantages. Flynn-Evans highlights that sharing a bed can help in detecting any sleep disorders, as bed partners often provide valuable insights for sleep clinicians. For example, a partner may notice loud snoring, prompting the affected individual to seek treatment for sleep apnea.

While sleeping separately may seem like a solution for sleep troubles, Flynn-Evans emphasizes that seeking professional treatment is crucial. Couples should consult with sleep specialists to identify any sleep disorders and ensure that both partners can achieve the best sleep possible, regardless of whether they choose to sleep together or separately.