There was a time when TV's married couples never slept in the same bed: Rob and Laura Petrie ("The Dick Van Dyke Show") were confined to single beds separated by a nightstand; so were June and Ward Cleaver ("Leave It to Beaver").
That great divide might ease sleep-compatibility issues, but most couples prefer a shared slumber where, unfortunately, snoring (67 percent), cover-grabbing, temperature battles, leg thrashing (34 percent), sleep talking and late-night TV-watching or reading can cause ongoing problems.
If you're losing sleep because your loved one wakes you up over and over, try these solutions:
-If your partner snores, figure out why. Is it from nasal congestion? Try a decongestant and/or allergy med before bed. Because of awkward head and neck positions? Experiment with different pillows and positions. If it seems like a more serious problem, such as sleep apnea, get the snorer to the doc for diagnosis and treatment.
-Make the bed up with two sets of covers, so you can regulate your sleep temperature and keep covered up or not, as you want.
-Sleep talking, leg thrashing and late night TV (insomnia?) can come from stress and lack of physical activity. Walk 10,000 steps throughout the day; try meditation and progressive relaxation before bedtime - and no TV! If you think restless leg syndrome is a problem (it's a genuine neurological condition), get diagnosis and treatment.
-If all else fails, try getting to sleep before the commotion starts; you may benefit from a king-size bed, earplugs and an eye mask. Sweet dreams!
© 2013 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.