This ‘Scandinavian sleep method’ can improve your sleep AND your marriage

Those countries in Northern Europe really have a lot of things figured out: universal healthcare, subsidized childcare, and now, how to sleep with your spouse or partner without fighting over bed space or blankets. The “Scandinavian sleep method” is going viral on social media because couples all over the world are adopting the northern European method of sharing a bed without driving your partner crazy, and if you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, you may want to try this.

The Scandinavian sleep method is based on the idea that different people, even when coupled up, have different sleep needs. They may fall asleep at different times, sleep in different positions, or prefer different temperatures at night. That’s why it’s common in Scandinavian countries, like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, for couples to share a bed, but have separate covers. They skip the top sheet altogether and use two twin-sized duvets, rather than one big shared one.

This TikTok video, from Erica Dowdy, explains how she adopted the method after visiting Copenhagen with her husband and finding that they both slept incredibly well while they were there.

“In Copenhagen, not once have I slept with one duvet,” she says. “It’s always two twins, and we sleep so good. No one’s fighting over blankets. No one’s too hot or too cold. It’s absolutely amazing… This is the comfiest way to sleep. It could save marriages.”

She describes the Scandinavian sleep method as a “game changer,” and it’s honestly pretty easy to see why. No more hogging the covers. No more disturbing your partner’s sleep if you toss and turn or get up to pee in the middle of the night. And good sleep means better moods and more energy for your relationship and family. That’s a win-win.

A version of this post was published in October 2023. It has been updated.