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What Is a Sleep Divorce?
If your partner snores, tosses, and turns all night, or the two of you have very different preferences when it comes to the temperature of your room, you may benefit from sleeping apart. This is known as a sleep divorce, and it is gaining in popularity, according to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). While this may seem drastic, it allows you and your spouse to get a quality night’s sleep.
How Common Are Sleep Divorces?
According to the survey conducted by the AASM, more than one-third of couples in the United States engage in a sleep divorce at some point in their marriage. A consultant of the AASM said that studies found that one partner’s sleep habits can harm the other spouse’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. For example, if one spouse snores or is a light sleeper who moves around a lot when sleeping, it can make it difficult for the other spouse to fall or stay asleep. In addition, if one spouse goes to bed early and the other spouse is more of a night owl, their differing sleep preferences can prevent both spouses from getting the quality sleep they need.
Can a Sleep Divorce Prevent a Legal Divorce?
While a sleep divorce can be an effective solution for couples dealing with issues specifically related to sleep, it may not be the answer for couples dealing with severe issues in their marriage. If a couple is already having difficulty resolving essential issues within their marriage, a sleep divorce may slow the breakdown of the marriage. However, it is unlikely that a sleep divorce will prevent a couple from pursuing a legal divorce.
Common Reasons for Divorce
Even though roughly half of all marriages end in divorce, acknowledging that your marriage is over can be a difficult and painful step to take. The following are reasons why many couples divorce:
- There is any abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, or financial.
- The partners no longer respect one another.
- The cons of staying together outweigh the pros.
- Any minor difference of opinion immediately becomes a major argument.
- One partner has developed an addiction – either to substances like drugs or alcohol or habits like gambling – and refuses to acknowledge the addition or seek treatment.
- One partner shows little to no interest in the other’s thoughts or emotions.
- One spouse has engaged in an extramarital affair and does not express any guilt or a desire to repair the damage their infidelity has caused.
- There is no intimacy or trust between the partners.
What Steps Should I Take if I Want a Divorce?
If your marriage is beyond repair, and you are seeking a divorce, you should take several steps to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and that you receive the best possible divorce settlement. They include the following:
- Organize your finances as soon as possible. Cancel joint accounts and set up individual bank and credit accounts.
- Ensure you have a strong support network, including family and close friends, to help you through this difficult time.
- Seek out a therapist or a support group where you can share your feelings of grief or loss.
- Discover new interests and get involved in clubs or organizations.
- Contact an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the divorce process and negotiate the best possible settlement.
Our Bridgewater Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Assist Clients With the Divorce Process
If you and your spouse are seeking a divorce, contact our Bridgewater divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. A sleep divorce can be effective for couples with sleep-related issues, but it does not solve all problems. We will assist you with every step of your divorce. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Located in Somerville, Morristown, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Somerset, Woodbridge, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway, Short Hills, Chatham, Randolph, Madison, Morris Plains, and Monmouth County.