SAT relationship: The salvation of your marriage?

British research shows that one in six couples sleep in separate beds. Half of them even sleep in separate rooms. It's a topic that people hardly talk about for fear of reactions.

SAT: sleeping apart together

No longer being kept awake by snoring or pulling at the sheets? Living together under one roof, but not sleeping in the same bed. It definitely improves sleep, but how does it affect your relationship?

If sleeping together does not go well, it undoubtedly has a negative effect. Staying awake a lot, getting annoyed by your partner's snoring or tossing and turning… these are things that more often cause conflicts and sexual problems.

It's important to put yourself first for a moment and let go of the idea that it would be odd to sleep apart. Due to SAT, there is obviously less intimacy in bed, fewer spontaneous conversations…

Love expert Marie-José Bosch-Kuiper provides more explanation about this phenomenon in Goed Gevoel. “Many people are afraid that SAT creates distance. But the distance between partners is never only due to that. Sleeping apart can speed up the process of growing apart, but it is not the cause. Couples grow apart due to a lack of real contact. SAT reduces contact, but it doesn't have to be a threat to connection if you compensate with other intimate moments.”

Seek Connection

“Seek each other out deliberately, remain interested in each other and make clear agreements. It's important that you can express your wishes and vice versa, and that you show respect for the other's needs”, advises Bosch-Kuiper further.

Every couple must find a way to maintain the connection in that SAT relationship. This can be by cuddling, reading, talking in bed for a while in the evening… and then going to one's own sleeping place afterwards. An open conversation can ensure that each other's wishes and needs are aligned. Giving each other space, seeking each other out when you feel the need, daring to express wishes, maintaining contact, and staying curious about the other's desires are necessary to make a SAT relationship succeed.

(SR - Source: Goed Gevoel, Plusmagazine - Illustration image: Unsplash)