New travel trend reveals couples are ‘divorcing sleep’ while on holiday

A sleeping trend gaining traction among couples has spilled over into the travel circuit, as more people say they want separate sleeping arrangements from their partners.

In a trend called “sleep divorce,” traveling couples are looking for ways to get some shut-eye while on vacation, according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report.

The Virginia-based hospitality company said nearly two-thirds of travelers, or 63 percent, admit they sleep better when alone.

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“In fact, 37% of travelers prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner when traveling, and the majority of those traveling with children (3 in 4) believe it is best to sleep apart from their children while travelling,” he said. say the Hilton trip report. . “So plan the solo trip. Reset during the family reunion.”

In 2023, “sleep divorce” was explored in a survey by the Illinois-based American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and couples said they slept in separate rooms to “prioritize sleep.”

According to Hilton, more couples admit to sleeping in separate beds or separate rooms while on vacation. (iStock)

Men were more likely to sleep elsewhere, with 45 percent of them saying they do so “occasionally or consistently,” compared to 25 percent of women, the survey found.

Stacy Thiry, a Florida-licensed mental health counselor at telehealth platform Grow Therapy, addressed the notion of “sleep divorce” moving into the world of travel, saying the trend could have “pros and cons.”

“The first (advantage) is they’re resting better,” Thiry told Fox News Digital in a phone interview. “Sleeping separately allows each person to have the environment they need to sleep soundly, whether it’s a cooler room, no snoring or just quiet.”

“We are much more aware of the value of sleep.”

“Potential benefits could be less fighting or frustration if you’re too close together. It might even increase connection for some people who report feeling closer because they’re not waking up a little resentful (after) a bad night’s sleep,” he added.

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Thiry said challenges include physical distance, which can reduce the ability to have a spontaneous moment of affection with a partner.

“There could be a stigma attached … There could be something wrong if you don’t want to share a bed together,” she said.

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“In the past, sharing a matrimonial bed or sharing a bed was seen as a hallmark of closeness in a relationship, and now I think couples can prioritize what works best in their relationship.”

“Another key element is that we are much more aware of the value of sleep,” Thiry said.

Couples should spend time together before bed if they’re considering jumping on the “sleep divorce” trend, a Utah sleep expert recommended. (iStock)

Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral specialist at the RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, agreed that some couples choose to sleep separately while on vacation with the “goal of improving the quality of are”.

Troxel told Fox News Digital, “This trend reflects a growing awareness that sleep is crucial not only to personal health and well-being, but also to the health of relationships.”

Some couples choose to sleep separately while on vacation “with the goal of improving sleep quality.”

Research “consistently shows” that sleep problems can lead to symptoms of increased irritability, poorer problem-solving skills and more conflict, Troxel noted in his book “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Sleep better”.

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“All of this can negatively affect relationships,” he told Fox News Digital.

“However, if this option is considered, it is essential to keep the dialogue open to ensure that the needs of both partners are met and to avoid feelings of abandonment or rejection.”

Sleeping apart is a decision unique to each relationship, according to one expert, who emphasized that “there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.” (iStock)

To maintain intimacy with a partner, Troxel recommended setting aside time for “closeness” before bed.

“The time before bed is often the most important for maintaining connection and intimacy,” she said.

“The goal is to find a balance that works for both partners, ensuring that the relationship remains strong and supportive, and that both partners get a good night’s sleep, even while traveling.”

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Sleeping apart is a decision unique to each relationship, according to Troxel, who emphasized that “there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.”

He added: “If sleeping apart results in better sleep and happier days, it may actually lead to happier relationships for some couples.”

A Hilton spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email that the company’s research shows that guests have an increased focus on getting a good night’s sleep while on vacation.

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report revealed that “sleep divorce” has increased among couples vacationing together. (iStock)

“As sleep tourism has evolved, the conversations have also intensified, with topics such as ‘sleep divorce’ expected to increase by 2025,” the spokesperson noted.

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For travelers who want to participate in the “sleep divorce” trend, some hotels offer connecting rooms, “allowing families or couples to stay close while still enjoying the quality of sleep that separate beds and rooms can offer,” the spokesperson said.