Scientists have evaluated the popular "Scandinavian sleep method"

Arguments over blankets, bedroom temperature and different bedtime habits are a common problem for couples. While one is freezing, the other suffers from the heat, and nightly blanket pulls often end in poor sleep and irritation. Against this background, the so-called "Scandinavian sleep method" is gaining popularity on social networks. But does it really work? The Conversation investigated.

What is the essence of the method

The Scandinavian method of sleeping assumes that partners sleep in the same bed, but under different blankets or plaids. Instead of one shared blanket, they each have their own.

It is believed that this approach is widespread in Scandinavian countries, where they value both intimacy (sleeping together in the same bed) and individual comfort. The method allows for personal preferences in terms of temperature, weight and blanket material without giving up sleeping next to your partner.

In recent years, many couples outside Scandinavia have claimed that separate blankets have markedly improved the quality of their sleep.

Is there scientific proof?

There are no specific studies directly comparing sleeping under one and two blankets yet. Most scientific papers on co-sleeping focus on other factors: noise levels, light levels, safety, room temperature and sleep patterns, rather than the type of bedding.

Nevertheless, the principles of the Scandinavian method align well with general sleep hygiene recommendations. Therefore, there is reason to believe that it may reduce the number of night awakenings associated with discomfort due to a shared blanket.

Why one person is hot and the other cold

Body temperature naturally decreases during sleep, but this process varies from person to person. It is influenced by age, physique, hormonal background and chronotype ("lark" or "owl").

In addition, bedding materials play an important role. Light and breathable fabrics are better suited to those who are usually hot, while denser and more insulating fabrics are better suited to those who get cold at night.

Separate duvets allow each partner to find an option that suits their individual needs, including weighted duvets, natural fabrics or materials that reduce sensory discomfort.

Gender differences and thermoregulation

In couples of different genders, differences in nocturnal thermoregulation can be particularly noticeable. Women often have lower hand and foot skin temperatures because the body primarily maintains internal organ heat. This explains why women are more likely to tend to wrap themselves up, while men can sleep comfortably with their legs open.

Women may also reach their minimum body temperature earlier at night, and during the menopause it is not uncommon to experience hot flashes and night sweats, which also impairs sleep.

Movement, noise and sleep patterns

If one partner has insomnia, sleep may be disturbed by the other partner's movements, noise or habits - such as using the phone, having the lights on or different bedtimes. Studies show that women are more likely to report that their sleep is disturbed by their partner's movements.

Separate blankets don't solve all of these problems, but they can reduce the number of awakenings associated with tugging on the blanket or nearby movements.

Bottom line: is it worth a try?

For couples whose sleep suffers due to different temperature preferences, restless movements or "blanket wars", the Nordic sleep method can be a simple and affordable solution. It allows everyone to create their own comfortable microclimate during sleep.

However, the method also has disadvantages: making the bed becomes more difficult, and cuddling before bedtime becomes less comfortable. On small beds, blankets can slip off.

As long as there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of the method, it should not be seen as a universal solution, but as a practical sleep hygiene technique that may not be suitable for everyone, but deserves attention.