What’s the Scandinavian Sleep Method? Can It Help Couples Sleep Better?

Scandinavian countries like Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are ranked among the happiest in the world¹. While many of us may look to these countries for ways to improve our own mental health, there’s another trend inspired by Scandinavia that could boost your sleep health.

The Scandinavian Sleep Method has been a trending topic across news sites and social media. This sleep style is poised as a solution for couples who struggle to sleep because they may be fighting over the covers or have different preferences but want to avoid sleep divorce, which is when couples sleep in separate rooms. 

So what exactly is the Scandinavian Sleep Method? We’ll go over all that and more, including the pros and cons of this method.

What’s the Scandinavian Sleep Method?

The Scandinavian Sleep Method is when a couple shares a bed but each partner has their own duvet or comforter. The trend got its name because it’s reportedly popular in Scandinavian countries. 

By allowing couples to have their own covers rather than sharing a single one, they can each choose a material and feel that they like best. For example, if one partner sleeps hot, they might prefer a cooling comforter rather than a standard one that doesn’t have these features. Additionally, this helps prevent those dreaded tug-of-war moments when one person pulls the duvet so much that the other partner is no longer covered, which can often cause that other partner to wake up.

Pros and Cons of the Scandinavian Sleep Method

Pros

• Each partner can choose a cover that works for them
• Fewer disturbances from pulling the covers too much
• Better temperature regulation
• More restful sleep
• Couples can still share a bed

Cons

• Couples will have to pay for two separate comforters or duvets
• Would require more strategizing when making the bed
• May not be as aesthetically pleasing
• More difficult to cuddle

Step 1: Purchase Two Comforters or Duvets

You and your partner will each need to find a comforter or duvet you want to use. If you have an extra one around your home, you can use that. Otherwise, it could be a great opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet cover that will cater better to your unique needs and preferences.

Step 2: Decide If You Will Use a Top Sheet

A top sheet goes between the sleeper(s) and the cover. Usually, the Scandinavian Sleep Method involves removing this top sheet. However, some couples may prefer to keep the sheet. 

Ultimately, this is up to the preference of the individual couple. If you don’t use a top sheet, though, you’ll have to wash your covers weekly as you would with a sheet since your skin is directly in contact with the material.

Step 3: Make the Bed

To make your bed, you’ll want to place each comforter/duvet on the mattress. These covers will probably overlap a bit since they’d otherwise hang too far off the bed. If you’d rather not see where they overlap in the middle, you can put a blanket over this area when the bed isn’t in use.