What is ‘sleep divorce’? This new travel trend is the secret key to a romantic getaway

Imagine enjoying a beautiful evening with your partner near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After indulging in classic French cuisine, you take a stroll through the cobblestone lanes and lead past sidewalk cafés hand in hand with her/ him/ them. As you reach the hotel lobby, you collect the keys, kiss her goodnight, and head to your individual rooms. Once you get into your jammies, you slip into a slumber, alone. Sounds absurd? Couples now are choosing to ‘sleep divorce’ their partners, especially during holidays.

What is sleep divorce?

‘Sleep divorce’ is a rising trend in the travel industry where couples choose to sleep in separate beds or even separate rooms to improve sleep quality. Couples, who are on vacation opt for a ‘sleep divorce’ for a restful and rejuvenating getaway. This practice helps in the elimination of some of the common sleep disturbances like snoring, insomnia, body heat, restless legs, and different schedules that can result in fatigue and spoiling the whole fun in the getaway. This also provides personal space, and that’s why more and more happy couples are opting for this sleeping arrangement.
Sleep divorce benefits married couples


According to Hilton's 2025 Trends report, nearly two-thirds of travellers, or 63%, admit that they sleep better when they're alone. “In fact, 37% of travelers prefer to sleep in a separate bed from their partner when traveling, and most of those traveling with children (3 in 4) think it’s best to sleep apart from their kids while traveling,” the report said.
Though the name ‘sleep divorce’ is misleading, studies suggest that this trend could benefit relationships, especially between married couples, if they are struggling to get quality sleep regardless of whether they are on a holiday.

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According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than one-third of couples sleep in different rooms occasionally or consistently. “We know that poor sleep can worsen your mood, and those who are sleep-deprived are more likely to argue with their partners. There may be some resentment toward the person causing the sleep disruption which can negatively impact relationships. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for both health and happiness, so it’s no surprise that some couples choose to sleep apart for their overall well-being,” Dr. Seema Khosla, pulmonologist and spokesperson for the AASM says.

Carolina Goncalves, Pharmica’s superintendent pharmacist, told The Independent that this trend may increase a couple’s closeness more than ruin it. According to the pharmacist, sleeping in separate beds can provide couples with the opportunity to appreciate the intimacy of sleeping together.

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The sleep divorce trend is taking over the travel industry, and many couples are also practicing it on a regular basis as well. So next time you plan your vacation, see if could book a double bed in the hotel or even separate rooms, and give a ‘sleep divorce’ to your partner, and see whether it improves the quality of your romantic getaway.