Why Should You Share a Bed?

Why do people share a bed with a spouse if they would sleep better if they didn't? Usually the answer is because even if you don't get the best night's sleep, you find comfort and emotional intimacy in sleeping together.
An example of sleeping together compromises

How we compromise: Bob knows that if I absolutely can't handle how warm it is, I'll open a window in desperation. I don't do it too often, and he doesn't complain when I do.

Since he likes flannel sheets and I like satin sheets, we opted for jersey sheets.

We cuddle for a short time, then he knows he has to let go of me or I'll go bananas on him.

My side of the bed doesn't have tucked in sheets.

Our electric blanket has dual controls, and if he's really cold, he can warm up his side of the bed. My side of the blanket has never been turned on.

I love hearing the surf at night. When the surf is really loud, Bob will agree to turn off the humidifier and open a window so I can hear the surf.

He has learned how to get up and out of bed in the middle of the night without disturbing my sleep.

We have two alarms. One that would wake the dead that he likes, and my snooze control model. When his alarm starts to ring, he turns it off immediately.

If Bob rolls over on to my side of the bed, he doesn't get upset if I kick him or elbow him.

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