What is a sleep divorce? Study shows more and more couples are getting involved in the viral trend while on vacation

A couple's vacation is no longer just a break from the strenuous work routine, but also a break for nighttime intimacy.

According to Hilton's 2025 trends report, a new fad called “sleep divorce” has hit the travel scene and is becoming increasingly popular among couples trying to catch up on their sleep.

This year, 63 percent of travelers said they sleep better when they sleep alone. Meanwhile, the hotel group confirmed that 37 percent of travelers prefer to sleep in separate beds while on vacation, especially if they are also traveling with children.

“Three in four think it's best to sleep away from their children when traveling,” Hilton said.

However, couples who follow the “divorce in their sleep” trend do not separate during the day either. Although the name is misleading, a “sleep divorce” can actually benefit a married couple's relationship if they're struggling to get a good night's sleep, regardless of whether they're on vacation.

A 2023 online survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that more than a third of Americans practice “sleep divorce” even when they are not on vacation. This means that couples either “constantly” or “occasionally” move to different rooms, not just beds, to get some peace and quiet.

The AASM report found that men are more likely (45 percent) to sleep on the couch or in a spare room, leaving the bedroom to their female partner. 25 percent of women said they usually change rooms while their husbands stay in bed.

Dr. Seema Khosla, a pulmonologist and AASM spokesperson, said sleep-deprived couples are more likely to argue with each other and feel resentment toward each other for lack of rest. “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,” she noted.

In conversation with foxStacy Thiry — a telemedicine mental health counselor at Grow Therapy — listed the pros and cons of a “sleep divorce” while traveling. Thiry agreed that improving sleep can have a positive impact on a relationship and reduce the risk of “arguments” or “frustration.”

“[Sleep divorce] might even strengthen connection for some people by reporting that they feel closer because they don't wake up a bit upset [after] I didn’t sleep well,” she told the outlet.

However, Thiry argued that a “sleep divorce” can also prevent couples from engaging in spontaneous “closeness,” thereby diminishing the importance of bedroom intimacy in a relationship.

Seep Divorce allows couples to explore methods that best serve them, rather than settling into typical sleep habits to conform to relationship norms. Essentially, their connection and moments of intimacy can be enhanced because they are not sleeping in the same bed every night.

Carolina Goncalves, chief pharmacist at Pharmica, agreed that this trend could strengthen rather than destroy a couple's closeness. “Sleeping in separate beds can give couples the opportunity to enjoy the intimacy of sleeping together,” she previously said The Independent.

“Physical distance from sleeping in separate beds can increase longing and desire for each other, contribute to a more passionate and fulfilling relationship, and increase the meaning of the relationship for both individuals.”

Goncalves also recognized that “heat” disrupts sleep because the body has difficulty regulating temperature during the deep stages of REM sleep.