Sleeping apart, closer at heart

• Two and a half million couples choose to sleep in separate rooms, with The Beckhams and Vicky Pattison and Ercan Ramadan reportedly opting to sleep solo
• Nearly half (48 per cent) of those who sleep separately believe it has enhanced their relationship
• Over a quarter (28 per cent) of those who sleep separately say it saved their relationship altogether
• Those who face sleep disturbance, lose two and a half night's sleep a week due to their partner keeping them up
• Nearly a third (29 per cent) of couples who sleep separately have repurposed their spare room into dedicated sleeping spaces for themselves

Two and a half million (16 per cent) couples choose to sleep in separate rooms to each other, according to new research¹ from Direct Line Home Insurance. Nearly half of these (48 per cent) say that sleeping separately has improved their relationship, with over a quarter (28 per cent) even going as far as saying it saved their relationship altogether. 

The trend is not limited to everyday couples either; celebrity pairs such as Vicky Pattison and Ercan Ramadan and David and Victoria Beckham² have also reportedly adopted separate sleeping arrangements, helping to shift perceptions and normalise the idea that a good night’s sleep and a strong relationship can go hand in hand.

Those who face a sleeping disturbance say they or their partner lose on average 2.5 nights of sleep per week due to their partner disturbing them. Sleep disturbance is likely a key reason couples are opting to sleep solo: snoring (71 per cent), bathroom visits (60 per cent) and tossing and turning (60 per cent) are the main factors keeping couples awake. 

Table one: Reasons partners are being kept awake at night 

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2025

The primary benefit of sleeping apart appears to be sleep quality, with four in five (82 per cent) of those who sleep separately stating that doing so allows both them and their partner to have improved shut eye.

But for many couples, sleeping separately is not just about getting a good night’s rest; it may also be strengthening relationships. Over a quarter (26 per cent) of those in a relationship believe that sleeping apart can improve their connection, with 28 per cent of those who sleep separately even going as far as saying it saved their relationship altogether. Nearly half (48 per cent) believe it has helped to generally improve it. With high-profile couples helping to de-stigmatise the idea, more people may feel comfortable exploring what works best for them.

While many see the advantages, some couples struggle with the decision. A sixth (14 per cent) who currently share a bed admit they would like to sleep separately but know their partner would not want to, and one in ten (11 per cent) believe that separate sleeping arrangements could improve their relationship.

To accommodate not sharing beds, couples are repurposing spare rooms into dedicated sleeping spaces (29 per cent), rather than using them as traditional guest rooms or home offices. A further one in ten (10 per cent) opt to sleep on the sofa.

The trend of sleeping separately is also influencing home-buying decisions, with 12 per cent of couples who sleep separately prioritising properties that include additional bedrooms or flexible living spaces to accommodate separate sleeping arrangements. This emphasises the growing shift in how couples use their living spaces to improve sleep and well-being.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance said: “Getting quality sleep is a key part of staying healthy and feeling good. These findings show that more couples are making sleep-friendly choices- whether that means sharing a bed or having their own space. Even celebrities like The Beckhams are reportedly opting for separate rooms, helping to bring the trend into the spotlight.

“Whatever the setup, it is clear that sleep habits are reshaping how people live in their homes. More couples are now looking for extra bedrooms or adaptable spaces to accommodate different sleep routines. In the end, it is all about finding what works best for your relationship and making sure your home supports that.”

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

1.      Research conducted by Opinium with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, 31^st January-4th February 2025. 

2.      Article published by OK! titled ‘Celeb couples who sleep in separate beds- from Beckhams to Vicky Pattinson’ published on 20^th April 2025- https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/celeb-couples-who-sleep-separate-35073963

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07482107207

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.