Have You Tried The Scandinavian Sleep Method

Why Two Doonas Are Better Than One

You may have heard of the Scandinavian Sleep Method and wondered what it’s all about. Far from being an elaborate ritual or a complex system, it is surprisingly simple but ingenious: each person in a shared bed has their own doona. Rooted in the practical and comfort-driven ethos of Nordic cultures, this method offers a range of benefits for achieving better sleep. For our readers looking for effective ways to improve their sleep quality, this could be a game-changer and have positive cost implications too.

What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?

The Scandinavian Sleep Method is a practical approach in which each person in a shared bed uses their own individual doona. While this method isn't formally designed to embody broader Nordic principles, many find that it naturally aligns with Scandinavian values like simplicity and comfort. It also complements the Nordic preference for cooler sleeping environments and a connection to natural elements.

It sounds so simple - how come we haven't thought of it before.

Core Benefits

1. Individual Comfort: Sleepers can regulate their own body temperature.
2. No Tugging: Eliminates the struggle over bedding.
3. Personalised Sleep: Choose the weight of your own doona according to your preference.
4. Cost-Effective: Save on bed sheets by investing in single sizes.

Benefits of Having Your Own Doona

Regulate Your Own Body Temperature

One of the standout benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method is the ability to regulate your own body temperature, a factor that significantly impacts sleep quality. When you have your own doona, you're in full control of your sleep climate. This is particularly beneficial for couples who have different temperature preferences or who may experience fluctuating body temperatures throughout the night.

Moreover, if you wake up in the middle of the night feeling too warm or too cold, you can easily adjust your doona without affecting your partner's comfort. This is especially beneficial for women going through menopause or anyone experiencing night sweats, as it offers the freedom to adapt to changing body temperatures without disturbing your partner's sleep.

The individual control over your sleep temperature that separate doonas offer can lead to deeper, more restful sleep and could even reduce instances of waking up during the night, thereby improving your overall sleep quality.

No Wafting of Covers

A common issue that couples face when sharing a bed is the disturbance caused by one person adjusting the shared blanket or doona, often resulting in a sudden waft of cold air entering the sleep space. This can not only interrupt a peaceful sleep but also mess with your body's thermal regulation, potentially making it harder to fall back asleep.

When each person has their own doona, this issue is effectively eliminated. The independent use of separate doonas means that any adjustments made by one sleeper won't affect the other. This is particularly beneficial during colder months or in environments where maintaining a warm and stable sleep climate is essential for comfort.

Having your own doona ensures that your sleep space remains undisturbed, thereby maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the night. This stability can be crucial for achieving deep, restorative stages of sleep, as it reduces the chances of being jolted awake by temperature fluctuations.

Personalised Loft

The Scandinavian Sleep Method shines in its ability to cater to individual preferences, especially when it comes to the loft of your quilts. GSM (grams per square meter) refers to the amount of filling in the doona, and it significantly impacts the warmth and comfort level.

In a traditional shared-bed setting with one doona, couples often have to compromise on the weight of the blanket, which can lead to discomfort for one or both parties. One person might prefer a lighter, more breathable doona due to a tendency to sleep hot, while the other might want a heavier, warmer doona to fend off the cold. In such cases, finding a middle ground often means that neither person gets their ideal sleep setting.

With separate doonas, however, each person can choose the loft that suits their own comfort preferences. If you're someone who feels the cold easily, you can opt for a higher GSM doona that offers more insulation. On the other hand, if you're prone to overheating, a lower GSM doona might be the ideal choice for you.

Fewer Nighttime Disturbances

One of the most compelling advantages of the Scandinavian Sleep Method is the reduction of nighttime disturbances, particularly important for new parents or those with irregular sleep schedules. When you have your own doona, movements such as getting in and out of bed or adjusting your sleeping position have little to no impact on your partner's side of the bed.

For new parents, the sleep disruptions are frequent—whether it's to attend to a crying baby, change diapers, or manage feedings. The activity can create enough movement and noise to wake the other parent, making an already challenging sleep schedule even more difficult. Having separate doonas minimizes this disturbance, allowing the non-active parent to have a better chance of staying asleep or falling back asleep more quickly after being briefly awakened.

Similarly, for couples with mismatched work schedules or differing natural sleep rhythms, separate doonas can be a godsend. If one person is a night owl while the other is an early bird, individual doonas allow for greater freedom of movement without the risk of disturbing the other’s sleep. This can be especially beneficial for people who work shift hours and need to adhere to unconventional sleep schedules.

Even for those who may not have such extreme differences in sleep patterns, the occasional need to get up during the night—perhaps to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, or adjust the thermostat—becomes far less disruptive. With your own doona, you can move freely without having to worry about pulling the covers away from your partner, allowing both parties to maintain a more consistent and restorative sleep.

Cost-Effective Bedding

If you’re considering investing in luxury bed sheets, like real mulberry silk, the cost is significantly reduced as you only need to buy single sheets. Though a fitted sheet for the mattress will still be necessary.

Implementing Scandinavian Fundamentals

As you explore the benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method, it's worth considering how other Scandinavian fundamentals can further enhance your sleep experience. From embracing the simplicity of minimalist design to fostering a connection with natural elements, these principles offer holistic approaches to well-being that can be seamlessly integrated into your sleep environment. By combining the comfort of individual doonas with the broader Scandinavian ethos, you're setting the stage for a truly restorative and refreshing sleep experience.

• Bedroom Simplicity: A minimalist bedroom devoid of clutter is more conducive to sleep, aligning with the Scandinavian focus on simplicity.
• Cooler Room Temperatures: The Scandinavians have long understood that a cooler bedroom improves sleep quality. Aim for around 18 degrees Celsius.
• Connection with Nature: We've written another blog article about the benefits of incorporating plants into your bedroom, another Scandinavian principle that can elevate your sleep experience.

Drawbacks and Precautions

While this method offers numerous advantages, it may not be ideal for those who crave the closeness that comes from sharing a single doona. However, the benefits often outweigh this minor drawback and there's nothing to say you can't snuggle in under one doona for a cuddle.

So there you have it - The Scandinavian Sleep Method, with its emphasis on individual comfort and practicality, offers a compelling strategy for achieving better sleep. Its principles are straightforward yet effective, combining individual temperature regulation, personalised comfort, and cost efficiency with broader Scandinavian lifestyle concepts. If you’re looking for a sleep upgrade, giving this method a try could lead to more restful nights and happier mornings.