"News From The Future" with Dr Catherine Ball

Hello and Welcome to News From The Future, spoken by the eleven labs audio clone of Dr Catherine Ball.
In this new short series we will be focussing on Sleep. We all do it, and we all recognise when we have not had enough of it.
Dr Cath’s new book The Future of Sleep is out now and available globally in paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats.
We think you’ll get something life changing from it.
Today we are talking about something a bit controversial - Social Apnea
Enjoy!
The term “social apnea” has been introduced as a new concept in sleep health by researchers from Flinders University. This phenomenon describes the weekend spike in the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is being linked to lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, analyzed data from over 70,000 individuals worldwide and found a consistent increase in OSA severity on weekends. The findings highlight how behaviors such as staying up late, consuming alcohol, smoking, and sleeping in on weekends contribute to this trend.
Dr. Lucia Pinilla, a lead author and Research Fellow at FHMRI Sleep Health, explains that the impact of sleep apnea may be underestimated due to the current diagnostic approach. Most clinical tests for OSA are conducted on a single weekday night, which could miss the weekend effect now termed “social apnea.” The study found that participants were 18% more likely to experience moderate to severe OSA on Saturdays compared to mid-week (Wednesdays). This weekend surge in sleep-disordered breathing is concerning because it may elevate the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, depression, dementia, extreme fatigue, and accidents.
One of the key findings of the study is that sleeping in for an additional 45 minutes or more on weekends increases the risk of worsening OSA by 47%. Demographic variations were also observed, with men being 21% more likely to experience a weekend-related increase in OSA severity compared to a 9% increase in women. Age also plays a role, as younger adults under 60 showed a 24% higher risk of worsened OSA on weekends, while those aged 60 and above exhibited only a 7% increase. These statistics underscore how factors such as age, gender, and behavioral habits contribute to the weekend exacerbation of sleep apnea.
Matthew Flinders Professor Danny Eckert, Director of FHMRI Sleep Health and senior author of the study, emphasized that this is the first evidence showing OSA severity increases on weekends. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, alcohol consumption, lighter sleep, and inconsistent use of OSA therapies on weekends likely contribute to the issue. The research team suggests that current diagnostic practices relying on single-night sleep studies may lead to underdiagnosis or misclassification of OSA severity. Multi-night sleep assessments and personalized approaches to treatment are recommended to address this gap.
The concept of social apnea aligns with findings from another study, published in Nature Communications Medicine, which explored seasonal variability in OSA severity. Led by Dr. Bastien Lechat, this research revealed that OSA tends to worsen during summer and winter, with severity increasing by 8–19% compared to spring and autumn. Higher temperatures in summer disrupt sleep by causing lighter sleep stages, which are associated with more frequent apnea events. In winter, longer sleep durations and later wake-up times increase time spent in REM sleep, a phase linked to worsened OSA. These seasonal factors, combined with the weekend effect described in social apnea, highlight the complex interplay between environmental and behavioral influences on sleep health.
To combat social apnea, experts recommend maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week, including weekends. Professor Eckert advises aiming for the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night, keeping a fixed wake-up time, and using prescribed OSA therapies consistently, even on weekends. Going to bed only when feeling sleepy can also help ensure restorative sleep and reduce the weekend spike in OSA severity.
OSA is a common sleep disorder affecting around one billion people globally. It is characterized by repeated airway collapse during sleep, which can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. These include an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and even death. The weekend exacerbation of OSA, as described in the social apnea study, underscores the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The study, titled “Social apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is exacerbated on weekends,” was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on August 13, 2025. The Nature Communications Medicine article, “Obstructive sleep apnea severity varies by season and environmental influences such as ambient temperature,” was published on July 29, 2025. Both studies were conducted by a team of international researchers, including Dr. Lucia Pinilla, Dr. Bastien Lechat, and Professor Danny Eckert, among others.
Acknowledgments for the research include support from various fellowships and grants, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia and the Australian Research Council. These contributions highlight the collaborative effort behind advancing our understanding of OSA and its contributing factors.
In summary, the discovery of social apnea sheds light on how weekend habits and environmental factors can exacerbate sleep apnea severity. By adopting consistent sleep routines and addressing lifestyle choices, individuals can help mitigate the risks associated with this newly identified phenomenon. For those concerned about their sleep health, consulting with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended.
Please share this podcast with anyone you know who sleeps.
Thank you for supporting my work. Please follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to my substack for more News From The Future
And please buy my book: The Future of Sleep.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading "News From The Future" with Dr Catherine Ball! This post is public so feel free to share it with anyone who sleeps.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drcatherineball.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast transcript:
Hello and Welcome to News From The Future, spoken by the eleven labs audio clone of Dr Catherine Ball.
In this new short series we will be focussing on Sleep. We all do it, and we all recognise when we have not had enough of it.
Dr Cath’s new book The Future of Sleep is out now and available globally in paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats.
We think you’ll get something life changing from it.
Today we are talking about something a bit controversial - Blue Light
Enjoy!
For over a decade, warnings about blue light from our screens have dominated conversations about poor sleep. The narrative is simple: the blue glow of our devices disrupts our circadian rhythm, delaying sleep and leaving us groggy the next day. However, Hana Mendel’s deep dive into the science behind these claims reveals that the story is far more nuanced. The issue isn’t just about blue light—it’s about how modern life, in its entirety, disrupts our exposure to light and dark. Let’s unpack the details of her findings.
The blue light panic began in 2014 with a small study that compared participants reading on an iPad before bed to those reading physical books. The iPad users took longer to fall asleep, produced less melatonin (a hormone critical for sleep), and felt more tired the next day. Researchers attributed these results to the blue-enriched light emitted by the iPad, which mimics daylight and interferes with our body’s natural clock. The study launched a wave of concern about blue light, with many people blaming their phones, tablets, and TVs for their sleepless nights.
But experts like Jamie Zeitzer, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, caution against oversimplifying the issue. While it’s true that blue light can affect sleep, the light emitted by our screens is minimal compared to other sources. Modern screens and LED light bulbs do emit more blue light than older technologies because they use blue LEDs coated with yellow phosphor to simulate white light. But the amount of blue light from these devices is trivial compared to the blue light we receive from the Sun. One study found that 24 hours of exposure to screens amounts to less than one minute of sunlight exposure. Another review of 11 studies showed that screen light delays sleep by just nine minutes at worst—not exactly the catastrophic impact many fear.
So, if blue light from screens isn’t the main culprit, what is? Mendel’s exploration points to a broader issue: the way modern lighting and lifestyles disrupt our natural exposure to light and dark. Our bodies are designed to respond to the contrast between bright daylight and dim evenings, but many of us spend our days indoors under artificial light that’s far dimmer than natural sunlight. This lack of exposure to bright light during the day makes us more sensitive to light at night, whether it’s blue or not.
To test these ideas, Mendel embarked on an extreme experiment to eliminate blue light from her evenings. She wore industrial-grade orange goggles designed to block blue light completely, covered her windows with blackout curtains, and replaced all her lamps with candles. While effective, the goggles were impractical and uncomfortable—better suited for industrial work than everyday life. The candlelit evenings, however, became a calming ritual that Mendel grew to appreciate.
Experts like Håvard Kallestad, a sleep researcher, emphasize that avoiding blue light at night is only part of the solution. The real key is managing your total light exposure throughout the day. Bright light in the morning, especially light that’s rich in blue wavelengths, helps regulate your circadian rhythm and makes your body less sensitive to light in the evening. Mendel experimented with a bright light therapy lamp each morning, designed to treat seasonal depression. While sitting in front of the lamp wasn’t particularly enjoyable, it helped anchor her body clock.
Zeitzer highlights the importance of contrast in light exposure. During the day, brighter lighting signals to your body that it’s daytime. In the evening, gradually dimming your lights helps cue your body to start winding down. Even a 30-minute walk outside in the morning can make a significant difference, as natural sunlight is far more intense than indoor lighting. On a cloudy day, outdoor light intensity can reach 10,000 lux, while a sunny day can hit 100,000 lux. In contrast, indoor lighting typically measures around 100 lux, and your phone emits only 50-80 lux at full brightness.
Interestingly, the content we consume on our devices may be more disruptive to sleep than the light itself. Engaging in stimulating activities like scrolling through social media or watching intense shows can keep your brain alert, making it harder to fall asleep. This suggests that what we do on our screens matters more than the light they emit.
Mendel’s experiment didn’t dramatically improve her sleep quality, but it did lead to some positive changes. By the end of her two-week trial, she found it easier to fall asleep and wake up at consistent times. The psychological cues from her candlelit evenings and other bedtime rituals seemed to help her body recognize when it was time to wind down. This aligns with Zeitzer’s observation that such routines can act as “Pavlovian conditioning” for sleep, signaling to your brain that bedtime is approaching.
While blue light isn’t entirely blameless, it’s not the sleep saboteur it’s often made out to be. The real issue is our overall exposure to light and how it aligns with our natural rhythms. To improve your sleep, focus on getting plenty of natural light during the day, dimming your lights in the evening, and creating calming bedtime rituals. If you’re tempted to try blue-blocking glasses or phone filters, know that their biggest benefit might be the psychological signal they send to your brain that it’s time to unwind.
Mendel’s findings highlight the complexities of light’s impact on sleep and the importance of looking beyond simple solutions. While you probably won’t be rushing to stock up on candles or orange goggles, her experiment offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their sleep in a world that’s increasingly lit up 24/7.
Please share this podcast with anyone you know who sleeps.
Thank you for supporting my work. Please follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to my substack for more News From The Future
And please buy my book: The Future of Sleep.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading "News From The Future" with Dr Catherine Ball! This post is public so feel free to share it with anyone who sleeps.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drcatherineball.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Transcript:
Hello and Welcome to News From The Future, spoken by the eleven labs audio clone of Dr Catherine Ball.
In this new short series we will be focussing on Sleep.
We all do it, and we all recognise when we have not had enough of it.
Dr Cath’s new book The Future of Sleep is out now and available globally in paperback, audiobook, and ebook.
We think you’ll get something life changing from it.
Today we are talking about something a bit controversial - New drugs to prevent Alzheimers that are enhancing the glymphatic system.
Enjoy!
A fascinating breakthrough in neuroscience has identified a combination of two drugs that could significantly enhance the brain’s glymphatic system. This system, often described as the brain’s waste-disposal mechanism, plays a critical role in clearing out harmful proteins and toxins that accumulate over time. These proteins, such as beta-amyloid and tau, are strongly associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. For the first time, researchers have pinpointed drugs that can specifically target and boost this system, offering a potential way to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by several years.
The two drugs at the center of this discovery are not new; they are existing therapies repurposed for this groundbreaking application. One is a sedative commonly used for its calming effects, while the other is a medication designed to prevent dangerously low blood pressure. When used together, these drugs appear to enhance the glymphatic system’s ability to remove waste from the brain, including the proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. This synergy between the two drugs is what makes the approach so promising, as it not only improves waste clearance but does so safely and effectively.
The glymphatic system itself is a relatively recent focus in neuroscience. Unlike the lymphatic system, which clears waste from other parts of the body, the glymphatic system operates exclusively within the brain. It relies on cerebrospinal fluid to flush out metabolic waste, particularly during sleep. This is one of the reasons why quality sleep is often emphasized as a cornerstone of good brain health. By targeting this system pharmacologically, researchers are opening up new possibilities for treating and potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is the potential to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Current findings suggest that the use of these drugs could push back the disease’s onset by up to seven years. This is a significant improvement, considering the profound impact Alzheimer’s has on individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Even a modest delay in the onset of symptoms could translate into a better quality of life for millions of people and a substantial reduction in the economic and emotional burden of the disease.
The implications of this research extend beyond those already at risk for or suffering from Alzheimer’s. Shiju Gu, a researcher at Harvard University who was not involved in the study, highlighted the broader potential of this discovery. According to Gu, enhancing the glymphatic system could benefit not only individuals with neurodegenerative diseases but also healthy people looking to optimize their brain function. This raises intriguing possibilities about the role these drugs could play in improving overall cognitive performance and brain health.
The discovery also underscores the importance of understanding the glymphatic system in greater detail. Scientists have long known that the buildup of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins form plaques and tangles that disrupt communication between neurons, leading to cognitive decline. By enhancing the brain’s natural ability to clear out these proteins, the newly identified drugs could address one of the root causes of the disease rather than merely treating its symptoms.
While the findings are undoubtedly promising, it is important to approach them with cautious optimism. The research is still in its early stages, and further studies will be needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these drugs in larger and more diverse populations. Researchers will also need to determine the optimal dosages and treatment regimens to maximize the benefits while minimizing potential side effects. These are critical steps that must be taken before the drugs can be made widely available.
The potential applications of this discovery are vast and varied. Beyond Alzheimer’s, the ability to enhance the glymphatic system could have implications for other brain-related conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and even age-related cognitive decline. It also raises questions about whether these drugs could be used preventatively in healthy individuals to maintain and improve brain function as they age. The answers to these questions could pave the way for a new era in brain health and medicine.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its focus on prevention rather than treatment. Current therapies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases are largely aimed at managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. By targeting the glymphatic system, these drugs offer a new approach that could delay or even prevent the onset of these diseases. This represents a paradigm shift in how we think about and approach brain health.
In summary, the identification of drugs that can enhance the brain’s glymphatic system represents a major milestone in neuroscience. By improving the brain’s ability to clear out harmful proteins, these drugs offer hope for delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and potentially enhancing overall brain function. While more research is needed to fully understand their potential, the findings are a significant step forward in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery not only opens up new possibilities for treatment but also underscores the importance of continued research into the glymphatic system and its role in maintaining brain health.
Please share this podcast with anyone you know who sleeps.
Thank you for supporting my work.
Please follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to my substack for more News From The Future
And please buy my book: The Future of Sleep from your favourite online bookshop or my website’s book shop.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading "News From The Future" with Dr Catherine Ball! This post is public so feel free to share it with anyone you know who sleeps.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drcatherineball.substack.com/subscribe

Buy the book here.
Podcast transcript:
Hello and Welcome to News From The Future, spoken by the eleven labs audio clone of Dr Catherine Ball.
In this new short series we will be focussing on Sleep.
We all do it, and we all recognise when we have not had enough of it.
Dr Cath’s new book The Future of Sleep is out now and available globally in paperback, audiobook, and ebook.
We think you’ll get something life changing from it.
Today we are talking about something a bit controversial - People who don’t dream!
Enjoy!
Some mornings, you open your eyes and the dream you just had feels so vivid and real, it’s almost as if you’re still in it. You might even feel the emotions lingering in your chest, taking a few moments to reorient yourself to reality. Other mornings, there’s nothing—just a blank slate and the quiet sense of having slept. You may even know people who claim they don’t dream at all. But here’s the truth: everyone dreams. Every single one of us. The real difference lies in whether or not we remember those dreams.
Dreaming is a universal part of the human sleep experience, but dream recall varies widely. To understand why, it helps to first look at the mechanics of sleep itself. Every night, our sleep follows a predictable cycle that repeats approximately every 90 minutes. This cycle includes three main stages: light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep.
During the first half of the night, we spend more time in deep sleep. This stage is restorative—it’s when our bodies repair themselves, replenish energy, and help store memories. But as the night progresses, we transition to spending more time in REM sleep, which is critical for memory consolidation and emotional processing. REM sleep is also the stage most closely linked to vivid, emotional dreams.
Now, here’s the key: if you wake up during or immediately after REM sleep, you’re much more likely to remember a dream. On the other hand, if you wake up from deep sleep, you probably won’t, even though you were dreaming earlier in the night. This isn’t a sign that something is wrong; it’s just how the brain operates during different stages of sleep.
There’s also a common misconception that dreams only occur during REM sleep. While it’s true that REM dreams are typically more vivid, emotional, and story-like, dreaming can happen in other stages of sleep as well. These non-REM dreams tend to be quieter and harder to recall. So, if you wake up one morning with a crystal-clear memory of your dream and another morning with no recollection at all, that’s perfectly normal. It simply means you woke up at a different point in your sleep cycle.
So why do some people seem to remember their dreams more often than others? Several factors come into play here. For one, age can influence dream recall. As we get older, our ability to remember dreams tends to decline. Gender may also play a role, with some studies suggesting that women are more likely to recall dreams than men. Medications, such as antidepressants or sedatives, can also impact dream recall by altering the structure of sleep.
Timing is another significant factor. Since REM sleep becomes more prominent later in the night, dreams that occur closer to morning are easier to remember. Additionally, waking up briefly during the night—whether from a noise, a restless child, or some other disturbance—provides an opportunity to capture a dream before it fades. This is why light sleepers and parents of young children often report remembering more dreams.
The way you wake up can also make a difference. If you’re jolted awake by a loud alarm or sudden noise, the dream can disappear almost instantly. But if you’re woken gently—perhaps by someone softly calling your name or a gradual light alarm—there’s a better chance the dream will linger long enough for you to remember it. Some people are naturally better at recalling dreams, too. These “high recallers” seem to have an innate ability to capture their dreams before they fade away completely.
Let’s dive into the nature of dreams themselves. Why do some dreams feel unusually intense, emotional, or even dramatic? The answer lies in the brain activity that occurs during REM sleep. In this stage, there’s increased activation in areas of the brain responsible for emotions, such as the amygdala and the limbic system. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that handles logic, self-control, and emotional regulation—is less active. This unique combination can make dreams feel vivid, surreal, and emotionally charged.
Stress, life changes, or heightened emotions in your waking life can also contribute to more intense dreams. Often, dreams reflect elements of our real-life experiences as the brain processes events from the day and consolidates them into long-term memory. While intense dreams can sometimes feel unsettling, they’re usually a normal part of healthy emotional processing.
Now, let’s address a common question: does remembering your dreams mean you had a good night’s sleep? Not necessarily. Dream recall isn’t a reliable indicator of sleep quality. Forgetting your dreams doesn’t mean your sleep was perfect, and remembering them doesn’t mean it was poor. Instead, the best way to assess your sleep quality is by considering how you feel during the day. Do you wake up feeling rested? Do you have enough energy to get through your day? These are the real markers of good sleep.
For most people, variations in dream recall and intensity are entirely normal and nothing to worry about. Dream frequency and vividness can vary widely from person to person and even over the course of a lifetime. However, there are certain situations where it might be worth seeking advice from a health professional. For example, if you’re experiencing persistent daytime exhaustion despite spending enough time in bed, if you’re having frequent and distressing nightmares, or if your sleep is regularly disrupted by panic or difficulty falling back asleep, it may be time to consult a sleep specialist.
In the end, dreams are just one fascinating aspect of the complex process of sleep. Whether you remember them vividly or not at all, they’re a natural part of how your brain processes emotions, consolidates memories, and restores itself for the day ahead. So, if you wake up feeling rested, functional, and emotionally stable, you can rest assured that your sleep—and your dreams—are working exactly as they should.
Please share this podcast with anyone you know who sleeps.
Thank you for supporting my work.
Please follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to my substack for more News From The Future
And please buy my book: The Future of Sleep.
Thank you.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drcatherineball.substack.com/subscribe

Buy the book here.
Podcast transcript:
Hello and Welcome to News From The Future, spoken by the eleven labs audio clone of Dr Catherine Ball.
In this new short series we will be focussing on Sleep. We all do it, and we all recognise when we have not had enough of it.
Dr Cath’s new book The Future of Sleep is out now and available globally in paperback, audiobook, and ebook.
We think you’ll get something life changing from it.
Today we are talking about something a bit controversial - Sleep Divorce to save your relationship!
Enjoy!
Sleeping separately, often referred to as a “sleep divorce,” is a growing trend among couples, with recent data showing that 18% of couples now opt for this arrangement. While the term might sound negative, many couples find that separate sleeping spaces improve their sleep quality and even strengthen their relationships. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this trend, its benefits, the stigma surrounding it, and how couples can navigate this decision successfully.
Take Hannah, a 36-year-old from Hobart, for example. During her pregnancy, her snoring became so disruptive that her partner moved to the spare bedroom. Even after she gave birth and underwent sinus surgery, which largely resolved her snoring, the couple decided to continue sleeping apart. They found the arrangement so beneficial that it became a permanent part of their lives. Hannah even recommends it to other couples, though she admits she’s faced judgment from others who assume separate sleeping arrangements indicate a troubled relationship.
This stigma is something Naomi Doyle, a family dispute resolution practitioner, frequently encounters in her work. Doyle explains that society often equates sleeping apart with relationship problems, but this view is overly simplistic. She notes that, in most cases, the decision to sleep separately stems from practical concerns rather than emotional disconnect. For example, many couples experience poorer sleep quality when sharing a bed due to factors like snoring, restlessness, or differing schedules. These issues can make sleeping together more of a challenge than a comfort.
So, why do couples choose to sleep separately? The most common reason is to improve sleep quality. Conditions like sleep apnea, snoring, or being a light sleeper can make sharing a bed difficult. Additionally, some people have different sleep schedules—such as shift workers—making it hard to align their routines. Parents may also opt for separate sleeping arrangements temporarily, especially when one partner is responsible for nighttime baby care. In some cases, couples simply prefer different bedtime rituals or ways of unwinding, and separate spaces allow them to embrace these differences.
Health issues and changing attitudes also play a role. Doyle points out that women going through perimenopause, for instance, often experience fluctuating body temperatures and may find it harder to tolerate disruptions during sleep. As people age, they also become less concerned with societal norms around co-sleeping. Doyle says there’s a growing recognition that practicality often trumps the idealized notion that “good couples” must always share a bed.
However, there are instances where sleeping separately might signal relationship tension. For example, couples who are arguing or experiencing a loss of intimacy might avoid sharing a bed. Doyle emphasizes the importance of open communication in these cases, as avoidance or lack of discussion can exacerbate feelings of disconnect. If one partner feels hurt or lonely due to separate sleeping arrangements, it’s crucial to address these emotions and find a solution that works for both parties.
On the flip side, good sleep is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Couples therapist and sexologist Isiah McKimmie highlights how poor sleep can lead to irritability, resentment, and even long-term health issues, all of which can strain a relationship. When couples are well-rested, they’re more patient, present, and emotionally available for each other. Doyle adds that many couples report improved relationships after changing their sleeping arrangements, as better sleep reduces conflict and fosters a more positive dynamic.
That said, not everyone has the luxury of separate sleeping spaces. Smaller homes or apartments may not allow for this option. In such cases, couples can still make adjustments to prioritize sleep quality, such as investing in a larger bed, using white noise machines, or exploring other sleep aids.
Despite the practical benefits, a “pervasive stigma” still surrounds the idea of sleeping apart. Hannah, for instance, has faced judgment from friends who equate separate bedrooms with a lack of intimacy. One friend even questioned how she managed to conceive while sleeping in a different room from her partner. Doyle challenges this assumption, pointing out that cultural norms around co-sleeping vary widely. In some cultures, it’s common for entire families to share a bed, while in others, separate bedrooms were historically a sign of luxury and status. From the 17th to 19th centuries, for example, European upper-class couples often had separate bedrooms, and this was seen as a mark of affluence rather than relational discord.
So, are couples happier sleeping separately? The answer depends on communication and mutual understanding. Doyle and McKimmie stress that sleep and intimacy serve different functions. Couples can maintain emotional and sexual connection even if they sleep in separate beds, as long as they make an effort to prioritize intimacy in other ways. For instance, some couples spend time together in the same bed before going to sleep or in the morning, while others set aside specific times for physical intimacy. Rituals of connection, whether cuddling, talking, or engaging in shared activities, are crucial for maintaining closeness.
However, not all couples are on the same page when it comes to sleeping arrangements. If one partner feels hurt or lonely, it’s important to address these feelings openly. Doyle suggests that couples who struggle with this issue might benefit from seeking guidance from a third party, such as a couples counselor or sex therapist. These professionals can help navigate disagreements and ensure that sleeping arrangements don’t become a source of ongoing conflict.
For couples who choose to sleep separately, there are creative ways to maintain intimacy. McKimmie suggests “sleepovers,” where couples spend a night together in the same bed, or rituals like cuddling before sleep and then retreating to separate spaces. These small gestures can help preserve the emotional and physical connection that’s vital to a healthy relationship.
In summary, the decision to sleep separately is deeply personal and varies from couple to couple. For some, it’s a practical solution to improve sleep quality and overall relationship satisfaction. For others, it may require careful communication and compromise to ensure that intimacy and connection are preserved. Whatever the arrangement, the key takeaway is that good sleep is essential for a healthy relationship, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving it. By prioritizing open communication and understanding, couples can find the sleeping arrangement that works best for them, free from societal judgment or stigma.
Please share this podcast with anyone you know who sleeps.
Thank you for supporting my work. Please follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to my substack for more News From The Future.
And please buy my book: The Future of Sleep.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading "News From The Future" with Dr Catherine Ball! This post is public so feel free to share it with anyone you know who sleeps.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drcatherineball.substack.com/subscribe