In news that might surprise everyone. The secret to getting a good night’s sleep may lie in the bedding you’re using.
After reading about it online, I tried the Scandinavian sleep method at home, and honestly, it’s the best – no more doona tug-of-war at 2 am. I stay warm, he can roll around like a rotisserie chicken, and we both wake up happier. Two doonas. Zero drama. Why didn’t anyone tell me this was an option?
How does the Scandinavian sleep method work?
The Scandinavian sleep method is simple: instead of sharing one big doona, each person in bed gets their own. That’s it, no tucked-in edge battles. No one wakes up in a cold rage because their partner wrapped themselves up like a burrito using the only blanket.
In places like Denmark, Sweden and Norway, it’s normal for couples to sleep under separate covers, even when they share a bed. It’s not a sign your relationship’s on the rocks. It just means you both enjoy a good night’s sleep.
The setup usually involves one fitted sheet and two single doonas (or two double doonas, depending on your level of drama), layered neatly on top of each other on the same bed. The result? Less disruption, more warmth, and no more silent 3 am grudge matches over who stole the corner.
The link between poor sleep and divorce
If you’re worried that sleeping with separate doonas will negatively impact your relationship, think again. Having your own blanket actually means getting more sleep, which is better for everyone in the long run.
Speaking to Refinery 29, Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert and author of How to Sleep Well, says not getting enough sleep can cause higher rates of divorce.
“There’s actually a strong link between poor sleep and higher rates of divorce, so staying in bed with somebody who annoys you is going to cause you to probably have a worse relationship rather than be a sign of the strength of your relationship,” he says.
Neil also makes a very excellent point about being selfish when it comes to your sleep.
“Separate duvets can threaten that sense of oneness or intimacy because of the cultural standard we set ourselves, but the most important thing about sleep is getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep is the most selfish thing you can do,” he says.
“You can’t share your sleep – you can change your intimacy, but you can’t share your sleep.
“When you’re sleeping, prioritise your sleep! All the rest of the time, prioritise your relationship.”
How to make a bed with two doonas
Making a bed with two doonas might sound awkward at first, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever agreed to share one in the first place. Here’s how to pull it off without the bed looking like a linen explosion.
1. Side-by-side setup (the classic Scandi look)
The traditional method involves laying both doonas flat, side by side, across the mattress. No overlapping, no sneaky corner stealing. It works best with two single doonas on a queen or king bed.
🪄 2. Folded or layered (for smaller beds)
If your bed is on the smaller side, or if the look of two flat doonas bothers you, try folding each doona lengthwise or layering one over the other with a slight offset. It still gives you the freedom to cocoon yourself, without looking messy.
3. The blanket bridge (best of both worlds)
Want the comfort of separate covers but the look of a shared bed? Add a large throw, quilt, or lightweight blanket over the top of both doonas. It hides the divide, adds extra warmth, and gives the bed a finished, Pinterest-y feel.
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