More couples engage in the viral ‘sleep divorce’ trend during the holidays, study finds

A couple’s vacation is no longer just a break from the exhausting routine of work, but also a break in nightly intimacy.

According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, a new fad known as “sleep divorce” has hit the travel scene, becoming increasingly popular among couples trying to catch up on sleep .

This year, 63 percent of travelers reported that they sleep better when they sleep alone. Meanwhile, the hospitality group confirmed that 37 per cent of travelers prefer to sleep in separate beds on holiday, especially when they are also traveling with children.

“Three out of four think it’s best to sleep apart from their children while traveling,” Hilton said.

However, couples following the “sleep divorce” trend also don’t break up during the day. Although the name is misleading, “sleep divorce” can benefit a married couple’s relationship if they’ve been struggling to get a good night’s sleep, regardless of whether they’re on vacation.

A 2023 American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) online survey found that more than a third of Americans practice “sleep divorce,” even when they’re not on vacation. This means couples move “consistently” or “occasionally” to different rooms, not just beds, to get some shut-eye.

The AASM report noted how men are more likely (45%) to sleep on the couch or in a guest room, leaving the bedroom to their female counterpart. Twenty-five percent of women said they usually move rooms while their husbands stay in bed.

Dr. Seema Khosla, a pulmonologist and spokeswoman for the AASM, said sleep-deprived couples are more likely to fight with each other and hold resentment toward each other over their lack of rest. “Getting a good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep apart for their overall well-being,” she noted.

talking with foxStacy Thiry, telehealth mental health advisor for Grow Therapy, listed the pros and cons of “sleep divorce” in travel. Thiry agreed that improving sleep can positively affect a relationship and reduce the risk of “mix-ups” or “frustrations.”

“(Sleep divorce) might even increase connectedness for some people, reporting that they feel closer because they’re not waking up a little resentful (after) a bad night’s sleep,” he said. tell the channel

Still, Thiry argued that “sleep divorce” can also prevent couples from engaging in impromptu “closeness,” downplaying the importance of bedroom intimacy in a relationship.

“Seep Divorce” allows couples to explore the methods that serve them best, rather than engaging in typical sleep habits to meet relationship norms. Essentially, their connection and moments of intimacy can be enhanced because they are not sleeping in the same bed every night.

Carolina Goncalves, pharmacist superintendent of Pharmica, agreed that this trend can increase the closeness of a couple rather than ruin it. “Sleeping in separate beds can give couples the opportunity to appreciate the intimacy of sleeping together,” he previously said. The Independent

“The physical distance of sleeping in separate beds can increase longing and desire for each other, contributing to a more passionate and fulfilling relationship and increasing the importance of the relationship for both people.”

Goncalves also identified “heat” as a disruptor that contributes to sleep because the body has difficulty regulating temperature during the deep stages of REM sleep.