Tactic #1: Stagger Bedtimes
The plan: Going to bed before your partner
I skipped the end of Lost and went to bed first. He agreed to give me at least a 15-minute bed, er, head start. I immediately fell asleep. My REMs lasted just 35 minutes before the sound of a flushing toilet woke me. “Why are you so loud?” I yelled.
The results: This could work as long as the couple doesn’t include a light sleeper (me) or a person incapable of walking into a room without making a lot of noise (him).
Tactic #2: Sex Before Bed
The plan: Research shows that orgasms relax you, making it easier to sleep.
I might've killed the mood by announcing we would need to have sex for the sake of the article, but oh well. Without going into detail, I was way more relaxed.
The results: Sure, it worked, though I highly doubt I’ll be using this tactic on a nightly basis (sorry, honey).
Tactic #3: The Pillow Barrier
The plan: Placing a pillow vertically between you prevents personal space invasion.
The pillow kept him from taking over my side of the bed and I slept more soundly since I didn’t have to worry about being elbowed in the face or kneed in the back.
The results: This was so simple I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself. It can be used every night and switched out as needed (see tactic #2).
Tactic #4: Occasionally Sleep Solo
The plan: Twelve percent of couples sleep alone, so one night won’t hurt, right?
This test happened by accident after my man had one too many and passed out on the couch. Don’t get me wrong, I love him, but I was excited to sleep alone. I stretched out and kept the temperature how I wanted.
The results: On a regular basis, it would be a relationship killer (sorry to say it). But if you desperately need some ZZZs, it’s okay to ask for the whole bed.
The verdict: The winner is the pillow barrier: easy, affordable, and healthier than sleeping alone. But I learned an even more valuable lesson: When I get enough rest, I feel less stressed -- and my man and I get along better. So the next time you and your mate are headed for a meltdown, why not do like kindergartners and take a quick nap -- with a pillow, of course.
Get more love and relationship advice from the experts at The Nest.
-- Linda DiProperzio
See More: Couple Issues , Love & Sex , Sex Q&A
62314275 
lesleybrian
I always go to bed before my hubby. I wear earplugs (which will probably change once we have kids), so I don't even hear him when he comes in an hour later! He tucks me in every single night, it's wonderful to cuddle and chat before bed.
61472561 
danielle.ryan
Amyou02, my hubby and I have the same exact schedule. I always wake up when he gets home. And since he is so wound up from work and also managing people the TV is usually his wind down, luckily I am learning how to sleep through it. Are you always tired though? How do you guys manage quality time together? This is our biggest struggle.
61425223 
amyou02
Diseneker, I have done the same things. My new hubby works noon to midnight and I work 8a-5p and it's difficult to sleep together. I love being tucked in if he just can't fall asleep yet because he's wound up from managing people at work. The iPhone also works wonders; H plays games in bed until he passes out just from being horizontal :)
61424037 amyou02
Diseneker, I have done the same things. My new hubby works noon to midnight and I work 8a-5p and it's difficult to sleep together. I love being tucked in if he just can't fall asleep yet because he's wound up from managing people at work. The iPhone also works wonders; H plays games in bed until he passes out just from being horizontal :)
61421303 
Diseneker
Get him to "tuck you in." Invite him to lay down on the bed and pillow chat with you or snuggle for a bit. Tell him he can go back to watching TV, but not until after you are asleep. Then coyly tire him out a bit. My guy likes it when I run my nails over his back for a few minutes, or even use sex. 50% of the time he will fall asleep next to you and forget about going back to the TV. As time goes on, he might adapt to your schedule entirely. Or learn to fall asleep with the lights/TV on in your bedroom. Invite him to stay up late, but to do so in bed so that he will eventually pass out next to you. Its not impossible. A lot of time my guy watches DVD's or TV on his laptop in bed - sometimes he even uses headphones so I can fall asleep easier.
60941342 
carson_rm
I like this article, it has some good tips, but what about having different sleep schedules. I've always wanted to go to bed between 10 and 11, he always wants to stay up until midnight or later and sleep till 9 (he works from home). How do I get us both on a healthy sleep schedule without overdosing him on sleep aids. Going to bed before him doesn't work because our space isn't that big and he falls asleep to the TV on the couch. Help!