Exclusive | Were newly married and sleep in separate bedrooms and it doesnt sacrifice our intimacy
They’re married, but separate.For most newlyweds, and couples overall, sharing a bedroom is considered a given.For Kelsey and Chad Thompson, it was the one tradition they happily skipped.The husband-and-wife couple, who met through a matchmaker in 2021 and married last September, have spent nearly their entire relationship sleeping in separate primary suites inside their suburban Atlanta home.
Far from viewing the arrangement as a sign of marital trouble, they credit it with helping their relationship thrive.When shown their setup — which features two full-fledged primary bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms, distinct decor and plenty of personal space — Kelsey Thompson didn’t hesitate.“It’s a pretty awesome setup,” Thompson said.What was once considered an unusual arrangement is increasingly moving into the mainstream.A 2023 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 35% of Americans sleep in a separate room from their partner either occasionally or consistently.
Millennials were the most likely generation to embrace the trend, with 43% reporting some version of a so-called “sleep divorce.” The concept has gained enough traction that sleep experts, relationship therapists and even hotels have begun catering to couples seeking better rest without sacrificing romance.Harvard Health recently published guidance for couples navigating separate sleeping arrangements, noting that many report improved sleep quality and reduced tension.
The Thompsons arrived at the idea before it became a cultural talking point.“We began our relationship with this setup,” Thompson said.The pair met later in life after years of living independently.Thompson is 39, and her husband is 54.But sleeping together proved to be a challenge.“When we started dating, and obviously we’re having sleepovers, we realized that we weren’t really sleeping all that well together,” Thompson said.
Her husband, a forensic accountant and author focused o...