Are you a trend-setter and don't even know it? If you're a couple with separate sleeping arrangements...you are!

The New York Times reported on a National Sleep Foundation study which discovered...or should I say, UN-covered...this trend. Not exactly a new one, since it was done five years ago; it's the builders who are expecting to profit from this 'new-old' arrangement, which...just perhaps...could save many a marriage from splitsville.

My married friends complain about differences in nocturnal habits, such as snoring, TV/radio, light requirements, fresh air preferences, room temperature, and generally sleeplessness of one causing lack of sleep for both. No wonder that most of these have gone under-reported in the media! Who wants to admit that their wedded bliss is none to blissful in the bedroom after the lights go out (or not, as the case may be)?

Far be it from me to dictate to others about how to manage their personal environment, but I've always been a BIG FAN of tending to one's own need for sleep. Loving, sex-positive couples should feel no overwhelming need to cave in to their partner's need to have a window open in the dead of winter or the TV blaring the sports reports until the wee hours. If it's good enough for the Jolie-Pitt household of the uber-cool family, it should be good to help The Jones get a good night's sleep...in matching master suites, right?

So what's the biggie?? The article's author, Bruce Feiler (originally entitled "Married, but Sleeping Alone"), provides us with the new term, "co-sleeping", to mean sharing your bed...presumably with a love-interest. Among the recommendations, declutter the boudoir, feng shui style...minimalists unite...but add a dash of red to enhance romance AND prosperity! Another helpful hint for those desiring to stay in the marital bed together, face AWAY from each other to reduce the smell of breath odor and reduce frontal attacks of the knee variety.

However you choose to snooze...keep the faith, be patient with your loving partner and goodness sakes, never make sleeping in the "other room" a punishment for misdeeds! Like other forms of honest, straight-forward communication, have these discussions OUTSIDE of the bedroom and during times of relative peace. A good night's sleep is at least as important as regular, intimate encounters with your lover. For me, sleep is one thing I have trouble compromising my priorities for...even if that means providing each partner their own space.

Ahhh, the sound of silence was never so sweet...after a long, sweaty session of hot sex and a cleansing shower...off to my own room and bed for a equally satisfying night's sleep; alone.

Happy Slumbers from deLovDoc!