Marital quality and the marital bed: Examining the covariation between relationship quality and sleep

Abstract

The majority of adults sleep with a partner, and for a significant proportion of couples, sleep problems and relationship problems co-occur, yet there has been little systematic study of the association between close relationships and sleep. The association between sleep and relationships is likely to be bi-directional and reciprocal-the quality of close relationships influences sleep and sleep disturbances or sleep disorders influence close relationship quality. Therefore, the purpose of the present review is to summarize the extant research on (1) the impact of co-sleeping on bed partner's sleep, (2) the impact of sleep disturbance or sleep disorders on relationship functioning, and (3) the impact of close relationship quality on sleep. In addition, we provide a conceptual model of biopsychosocial pathways to account for the covariation between relationship functioning and sleep. Recognizing the dyadic nature of sleep and incorporating such knowledge into both clinical practice and research in sleep medicine may elucidate key mechanisms in the etiology and maintenance of both sleep disorders and relationship problems and may ultimately inform novel treatments.

Nonshared Environmental Influences on Sleep Quality: A Study of Monozygotic Twin Differences

“…If we interpret this finding as evidence of a purely nonshared environmental component to the association between relationship satisfaction and sleep quality, this could be explained by the fact that a large amount of satisfaction in romantic relationships is dependent on the behaviour of the partner as well as the individual, something which may be considered 19 independent of one's genetic or shared environmental background. One line of work investigating sleep and relationships suggests that we should consider the 'social context' of sleep (Troxel et al 2007). That is, since the majority of adults typically share a bed with their partner, we should consider sleep as a dyadic process.…”

“…That is, since the majority of adults typically share a bed with their partner, we should consider sleep as a dyadic process. It is possible that sleep disturbance in one increases the risk of sleep problems in their partner (Troxel et al 2007). Indeed it has been found that women living with snorers report more insomnia symptoms than women living with non-snorers (Ulfberg et al 2000), and that such disturbances from sleep are associated with greater marital dissatisfaction and divorce (Cartwright and Knight 1987).…”

A Study of the Psychological and Family Factors Associated with Sleep Quality among Pregnant Women

“…Research indicates that there exists a significant relationship between poor family functioning and one's suffering from somatic symptoms, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression and social dysfunction (Feeley et al, 2014). No studies have been conducted on the relationship between marital adjustment and sleep quality yet, but some studies have pointed to the relationship between the quality of marital relationships and sleep quality (Troxel et al, 2007).…”

“…No studies have been conducted on the relationship between sleep quality and marital adjustment yet, but some have pointed to the relationship between marital quality and couples' sleep quality (Troxel, Robles, Hall, & Buysse, 2007).…”

Postpartum Sleep in New Mothers and Fathers

“…Relationship quality and sleep seem to be bi-directionally associated among women; because the marital/partner relationship is the main social context for most adults, and most married adults co-sleep, Troxel and colleagues conclude that sleep may have important implications for this relationship [102]. Most studies of sleep and relationships have focused on how relationship satisfaction is affected by one partner's sleep apnea -or snoring.…”