What is “sleep divorce”? This travel trend has couples

A sleeping trend that’s growing in popularity among couples has spread to the world of travel, as more people say they want to sleep separately from their partners.

In a trend dubbed “sleep divorce,” traveling couples are looking for ways to get more sleep during their vacation, according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report.

The Virginia-based hotel company said nearly two-thirds of travelers, or 63%, admit they sleep better when alone.

Hilton’s travel report says: “In fact, 37% of travelers prefer sleeping in a separate bed with their partner when traveling, and the majority of people traveling with children (three-quarters) believe it’s best to sleep separately from their children when traveling .” “So, plan a solo trip. Reset during the family reunion.”

A 2023 survey by the Illinois-based American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) explored the issue of “sleep divorce,” with couples saying they sleep in separate rooms to “prioritize sleep.”

The survey showed men were more likely to sleep elsewhere, with 45% saying they did so “occasionally or constantly”, compared with 25% of women.

Stacy Thiry, a licensed mental health counselor at Florida-based telemedicine platform Grow Therapy, talked about the concept of “sleep divorce” entering the world of travel, saying there may be “pros and cons” to the trend.

“The first [benefit] “They’re just better rested,” Thiry said in a Fox News digital phone interview. “Sleeping separately gives everyone the environment they need for a restful night’s sleep, whether that’s a cool room, no snoring or just quiet.”

“If you’re too close, a potential pro might be less likely to argue or get frustrated. [It] It can even facilitate connection for some people, who report that they feel closer because they wake up without a hint of resentment [after] Not a good night’s sleep,” she added.

Challenges include physical distance, which reduces the ability to spontaneously bond with a partner, Thiry said.

“There can be a stigma attached to it…if you don’t want to share a bed together, there’s probably something wrong,” she said.

“In the past, sleeping together was seen as a sign of intimacy, and now I think couples are able to prioritize what’s best for their relationship.”

“Another key factor is our greater awareness of the value of sleep,” Thiry said.

Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral specialist at the RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist and sleep expert in Utah, also believes that some couples choose to sleep separately when on vacation to “improve sleep quality.”

“This trend reflects the growing recognition that sleep is not only critical to personal health and well-being, but also to relationship health,” Troxell told Fox News Digital.

In her book, “Sharing the Cover: Every Couple’s Guide to Sleep Quality,” Troxell notes that research “consistently shows” that sleep problems can lead to symptoms such as increased irritability, reduced problem-solving skills and increased conflict.

“All of these things can have a negative impact on relationships,” she told Fox News Digital.

“However, if this option is considered, it is crucial to keep the conversation open to ensure both parties’ needs are met and to avoid feelings of abandonment or rejection.”

To stay close to your partner, Troxel recommends setting aside “intimacy” time before bed.

“Generally speaking, the time before bed is the most important for maintaining connection and intimacy,” she says.

“The goal is to find a balance that works for both parties, ensuring that the relationship remains strong and mutually supportive, and that both parties sleep well, even while traveling.”

Troxell said sleeping apart is a decision unique to each relationship, stressing that “there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.”

She added, “If sleeping apart leads to better sleep and happier days, then it may indeed lead to happier relationships for some couples.”

A Hilton spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email that the company’s research shows guests are more focused on getting a good night’s sleep while on vacation.

The spokesperson pointed out: “As sleep tourism develops, related topics have also intensified, and topics such as ‘sleep divorce’ are expected to increase in 2025.”

For travelers who want to participate in the “sleep divorce” trend, some hotels are offering connecting rooms “because they allow families or couples to stay close while still enjoying the quality of sleep that separate beds and rooms can provide,” a spokesperson explain.