Many Japanese couples continue to share beds or even rooms despite living in smaller homes and flats. This is something they think is beneficial for them rather than an interpersonal problem or relationship issue.

We discovered the reasons why Japanese married couples decide to sleep apart, and we truly appreciate them.

1. They have different sleep schedules.

One primary reason Japanese couples choose to sleep separately is differing work schedules. Coming home late or leaving early can disrupt your partner’s rest, so it’s often more beneficial for both to sleep in separate rooms. This arrangement allows each person to enjoy uninterrupted and healthier sleep.

2. Babies sleep with their mothers.

The father must choose between sharing the same bed or moving to a different room because it is highly valued in Japan for moms to sleep with their children. Co-sleeping can help parents and kids sleep better, according to scientific research. It lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome while also assisting the child in maintaining a steady heart rate and temperature, both of which are extremely important during infancy. Additionally, this helps the youngster do well in school, become independent more quickly, and have higher self-esteem.

3. For them, sleeping separately means peace.

While many couples who start to sleep alone think that divorce is at their door, the Japanese see it differently. They value their sleep a lot and they don’t want to be disturbed while sleeping. This means that they don’t need and don’t like to put up with snoring, restless sleep, kicking, etc. Even though some don’t have the opportunity to sleep in different rooms, they still wish they could get their beauty sleep.

4. Couples have a history of sleeping separately.

Futons, filled with cotton, offer both support and comfort. Traditionally, only single-sized futons were used for sleeping, which meant that cuddling with a partner often left one person on the cold floor, leading to discomfort. Nowadays, many families still prefer this bedding style because it’s space-efficient and easy to store.

Do you sleep apart from your partner? Could this practice be beneficial for your relationship?