We tend to think of sleep as personal, a process confined to our bodies. But sleep occurs in a social context, even for people who live alone. We share time zones; work standardised hours that incline most of us to sleep at similar times; abide by noise ordinances at night; limit light, sound and rolling over to accommodate bed partners; and suffer early garbage trucks.
Even our private ruminations as we lie in bed with insomnia are often about other people. As a sleep psychologist, I treat individuals. But the irony is that often their problems are inflamed by other people.
Even within the milieu of a co-operative household, one person’s sleep can occur at the expense of another person’s sleep. Examples include snoring and caring for an infant throughout the night. Even in co-operative households, one person’s sleep can occur at the expense of another person’s sleep.
Credit: Getty Images Emotions may run high on all sides and complicate interventions. But we can make choices that might benefit everyone’s sleep. Here are a few of the most common interpersonal scenarios I encounter, and some suggestions that have helped my patients and may help you.
Don’t hesitate to seek individual healthcare as needed. Family members in distress Elderly parents or their carers call at odd hours in crisis. University-aged children text or call in tears late at night.
Partners bring up serious concerns at bedtime. The unpredictability and urgency of these requests can make it hard .