What Is Dream Divorce and When Should It Be Considered?
When you really stop to think about it, sharing a bed with another person – for the purpose of sleeping – is kind of a terrible idea. Sure, you can get in the habit of sleeping next to your partner and feel more secure in it, but in terms of sleep quality and sleep disturbances, it’s hard to beat your own bed.
When everyone is chronically exhausted, you might think that we will do everything in our power to get the best sleep possible. Yet it is still considered normal for couples to sleep in the same bed – to the point that there is some stigma associated with not sharing a bed with a romantic partner. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Just ask a few couples who have decided to “divorce in their dreams.” Here’s what it is and when you might want to consider it.
What is divorce in a dream?
Simply put, a divorce in a dream is when people in a relationship who usually sleep in the same bed realize that they might be better off sleeping separately. This could mean two I love Lucy single beds in the same room, separate bedrooms, or something else.
The idea is to make sure everyone is sleeping as well as possible. And if it is still not clear, a divorce in a dream is not a reflection of your current relationship. In fact, it can help improve your relationship in several ways, including being able to be more patient with each other throughout the day because you are well rested.
When to consider a divorce in a dream
If sleep disturbances or other problems are making your relationship worse, you and your partner can discuss divorce in your sleep. A 2019 New York Times article took a closer look at the dream divorce concept, revealing a number of reasons why it might be a good option for some couples. Some of these include:
- Sleep on different schedules
- Snoring and other breathing disorders
- You no longer have the physical ability to sleep comfortably in the same bed.
- Other sleep (and personal) hygiene standards
- Anger / resentment towards your partner because it is their fault that you did not sleep well
- Sleep and / or bed-sharing disputes
- Having different sleep preferences such as room temperature, number of blankets, sleeping with the TV on, etc.
Also, keep in mind that people aren’t always open when it comes to topics like sharing a bed. Maybe you’re unhappy with your sleep patterns, but you think your partner is enjoying it, so you don’t say anything – and then it turns out that your partner wants a change too. A quick conversation can lead to a situation that works best for everyone.