* 76% of people who admitted to cheating on their partner revealed they still share the same bed with them, suggesting the secret to marital bliss is actually a ‘sleep divorce’.
* Sexpert Jessica Leoni revealed that sleeping in the same bed as your spouse can lead to tension in a relationship, but many fear that staying in separate bedrooms is a sign of failure.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.
In a shocking new study, it seems the key to a long-lasting and happy marriage may not lie in romantic getaways or date nights, but in something far more unexpected – sleeping apart.
The poll by IllicitEncounters.com, which surveyed 2,000 people (1,000 men and 1,000 women), has uncovered a growing trend among couples who are saying goodbye to the traditional shared bed and embracing a ‘sleep divorce’.
According to the findings, a staggering 76% of people who admitted to cheating on their partner are still sharing the same bed. In contrast, only 24% of those who cheat sleep in separate bedrooms. The numbers have sparked debate over whether sleeping together could be driving couples apart rather than bringing them closer.
A ‘sleep divorce’ isn’t as dramatic as it sounds. In fact, it’s a growing trend where couples intentionally choose to sleep apart to preserve their relationship. Far from being a sign of trouble, many couples who opt for sleep divorces say it actually strengthens their bond by removing the irritations that come with sharing a bed – like snoring, restless nights, or mismatched sleep patterns.
While the idea might seem unromantic, it’s becoming increasingly popular, even among celebrities. Stars like Bette Midler and Joe Swash have gone public about sleeping separately from their partners, praising the arrangement for the positive impact it’s had on their relationships. Whilst Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty also revealed they sleep in separate bedrooms, prioritising sleep quality and personal space to keep their relationship strong.
Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, explained that many couples are increasingly realising that sharing a bed might be more of a habit than a necessity. “Many couples feel like they should share a bed because that’s what’s expected,” Leoni says. “But if one partner is tossing and turning or there’s emotional distance between them, it can make things worse. A ‘sleep divorce’ can sometimes reduce that tension, giving couples space to sleep better and reconnect.”
But what about couples who continue to share a bed despite being in an unhappy relationship? The study revealed a significant number of these individuals are cheating on their partners – yet they still choose to sleep in the same bed.
One participant in the poll, Sarah, confessed that even though she’d been unfaithful for over a year, she still shares the same bed with her husband. “It’s complicated,” she admitted. “On the surface, everything looks fine. We’ve got kids, a house, and a routine. But it’s all a facade. The truth is, we’re both miserable, but neither of us wants to admit it.
Sharing a bed feels like one of the last things we’re holding onto, even though it’s really only for appearances. I’m cheating because I feel emotionally disconnected, but I guess we sleep together because we’re both too afraid of the alternative – it would make it all too real.”
Leoni believes that cases like Sarah’s are more common than people think. “Cheating often happens because one partner feels unfulfilled,” she explains. “But instead of addressing the root issue, many couples stay stuck in old patterns, like sharing a bed, to maintain the image of a ‘normal’ marriage. They’re afraid that sleeping separately will be seen as a sign of failure. But the truth is, a ‘sleep divorce’ could be exactly what’s needed to heal the relationship – or at least start the conversation.”
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