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The topic of sleep and sleep problems has been common these days. You can hear discussions regarding sleep medicine even in radios. Recently the National Public Radio decided to broadcast several sleep discussions about a number of sleep aids available including surgical options, sleep-inducing food and drinks, etc. One recommended book about sleep problems is David K. Randall's Dreamland: Adventures in the Strange Science of Sleep. The author's interest in the sleep topic started when he experienced sleepwalking or sonambulation himself. A well-written book, it contains helpful details and information about several sleep problems; one of which is the usual practice or routine of sleeping next to a partner or a family member and the possibility of such practice being harmful. From 1999 to 2000, the percentage rate of parents sleeping next to their infants increased to 12.8% as compared to the 5.5% rate from 1993 to 1994. Some parents believe that this is one bonding experience however for others like healthcare providers, this should be discouraged for safety concerns. Some deaths have occurred when parents accidentally smothered or rolled over their babies while sleeping next to them. Many couples think it's impossible to sleep separately, however this is not so. In 2001, National Sleep Foundation published a 12% rate on American couples sleeping apart, which then increased to 23% by 2005. A British study showed the harmful health effects of sleeping together. According to Dr. Neil Stanley, couples sleeping next to their spouses experience more sleep disturbances such as a partner who snores throughout the night. During the previous year, a lot of Dr. Stanley's newly-wed male patients complained that they cant sleep. When asked regarding its onset, the patients answered that it started after the marriage. Dr. Stanley indicated that such problem is understandable since the patients are still learning and adapting to the idea of sleeping next to another person. Getting accustomed to sleeping with another person usually takes time. With individuals who are used to sleeping alone, having another person in the same bed can lead to sleep issues. Sleeping separately in older couples has also increased in number. This usually starts when a spouse snores or experiences increased movement while sleeping. Some individuals also choose to sleep separately because their partners suffer from REM sleep disorder. What is interesting is that, even after the treatment of the sleeping disorder, patients still find sleeping alone much better and choose to continue with it. However, most patients seek treatments from sleep clinics because they are threatened by their partners that if they continue to exhibit sleep disorders, they would have to sleep alone. Such thought is what drives most individuals to seek treatment or try sleep aids to combat sleep disorders. This only shows that not everyone likes sleeping alone. A lot would agree that the intimacy of sharing bed with a partner outweighs any occurrence of sleep issues and interruptions. However suggesting the idea of sleeping separately until the sleep disorder is controlled can be helpful to couples who cant sleep when their partners are exhibiting sleep disorders. Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes about Health, Sleep Aids, and Relaxation. He is published on various website including www.cityofsleep.com
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