Last month, my now-husband, Alex and I spent a week in Copenhagen, Denmark for part of our honeymoon. And not to be dramatic, but I loved absolutely everything about it—the hygge lifestyle, the thriving bike culture, the drool-worthy design, the clothes—even the sleeping arrangements. Yep, the sleeping arrangements. Because when we tucked in for bed on our first night, we noticed we weren’t bundled under one duvet, but two.
At first, we were mildly concerned about how our nightly cuddle would work under separate comforters. But we trusted the Danes and assumed they knew something about sleep that we didn’t, and spoiler alert: they totally did. It’s called the Scandinavian Sleep Method—where a couple sleeps with two comforters on a bed instead of one. The genius sleep hack is said to work wonders on improving your sleep—and by extension, your relationship—and is common practice throughout Scandinavia (which includes Denmark, Norway and Sweden). It’s so popular, that it’s steadily catching on throughout Europe. We tried the Scandinavian Sleep Method for our five night stay in Copenhagen—here’s how it went.
- What happened when we tried the Scandinavian Sleep Method
- Who is the Scandinavian Sleep Method for
- Before you try it
- Should you try it
- Comforters + duvets
- Sheets + pillows
What happened when I tried the Scandinavian Sleep Method
TLDR: We kind of loved it. Having our own blankets meant that we wouldn’t have to fight over them throughout the night, and it gave each of us the freedom to ditch the blankets if one us began to overheat, or bundle up when the room got chilly.
For context: Alex and I are polar opposites when it comes to sleep. I’m a notoriously heavy sleeper, I fall asleep quickly and can do it almost anywhere (I’ve even fallen asleep standing up at a concert). While he’s a light sleeper prone to stirring himself awake at the sound of a pin drop. It’s a combination that makes for problematic sleep hijinks, to put it lightly. Then there’s the stressful, frustration-filled mornings, during which I’m told that I move violently across the bed and take the comforter with me, forcing Alex into a nightlong game of tug of war, or worse, the laborious task of unfurling the comforter that I’ve wrapped around myself like a human burrito. In other words, ours is the type of troublesome sleep dynamic that the Scandinavian Sleep Method is designed to solve.
After our first few nights in Copenhagen, we were delighted to discover that we both slept great. Because he had his own comforter, Alex didn’t have to wrestle it from me, thus could enjoy a night of smooth, uninterrupted sleep—and I could wrap myself into a taquito of my own without consequence. Because the Scandinavian Sleep Method calls for no top sheet, there was zero risk of blanket wars, or any movement that might compromise our rest. What’s more, we could enjoy our breakfast as blissed out newlyweds, without the subtle (but totally justifiable) resentment that comes with sleeping terribly because your partner hogged the blanket all night.
Another major pro to the Scandinavian Sleep Method is that it helped us stay cool throughout the night. When one of us started to overheat under the weight of the duvet, we could push it away without leaving the other person shivering in the cold. With our own duvets, we were the masters of our own personal sleep environment. What could be better than that? Thanks to the Scandinavian Sleep Method, we slept better than we had in months—and we weren’t prepared to let it go—so I tapped the experts to learn more.
Who is the Scandinavian Sleep Method for?
“[The Scandinavian Sleep Method] can be particularly beneficial for couples who have differences in temperature preferences, or if one partner is a sheet-stealer or tosses and turns,” explains Dr. Wendy Troxel, a behavioral scientist, author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep, and scientific advisor for The Sleep Foundation.
“It also can serve as a compromise for couples who differ in terms of their bedding preferences, but don’t want to sleep in separate bedrooms.” If you’ve ever considered getting a “sleep divorce” from your partner, the Scandinavian Sleep Method could be a good first step. The method is also a sound option for couples who have different schedules that require them to wake up and go to sleep at different hours. As helpful as the sleep method is, Dr. Troxel cautions that it isn’t the answer for couples facing more glaring sleep challenges like snoring.
Before you try it
Before you try the Scandinavian Sleep Method for yourself, couples therapist Genesis Games, LMHC recommends having a conversation with your partner about the intentions behind the switch to make sure you’re both on the same page. “I would have a conversation with my partner and ensure we agree and understand the purpose,” says Games. You’ll also have to make a more concerted effort to snuggle before snoozing, according to Dr. Troxel. “There is the potential that if each partner is cozied up in their individual comforter and bedding, it could reduce the opportunity for closeness and cuddling,” she explains. “So it is important that couples be proactive and make sure not to forsake the opportunity to be physically close, before falling asleep.”
Should you try the Scandinavian Sleep Method?
“Although it might seem unconventional to have separate duvets, if this is going to eliminate trivial fights and improve the sleep quality of the partners, it is at least worth the try,” says couples therapist, Genesis Games, LMHC. “Poor sleep is linked to physical ailments, in addition to irritability, fatigue, lack of concentration, and even the exacerbation of other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression…Chronic poor sleep can become a serious issues for long term partners.”
So if sleeping the Scandinavian way is going to improve your sleep and minimize potential resentments between couples, Games says go for it without shame. “Don’t compare yourselves to other couples and focus on what works best for the two of you.” Dr. Troxel agrees that the if the method is going to improve yours and your partner’s sleep, it can only improve your relationship. “A well-slept person is happier, healthier, a better communicator, and less prone to conflict—all of which can support healthy relationship functioning,” she explains.
If you’re thinking the Scandinavian Sleep Method might be for you, recreating it at home is easier than you think. We rounded up all the bedding finds you’ll need to make the switch at home.
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