This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
Should Couples Share a Bed? ¶
As we navigate the complexities of marriage, one question remains: should couples share a bed? While some argue that sharing a bed promotes intimacy and bonding, others claim that it can lead to sleep deprivation and other issues.
Beatrice Mwaniga, a resident of Kahawa Sukari in Nairobi, shares her personal experience with sleep deprivation. Despite sharing a bed with her husband, she struggles to get enough sleep due to his snoring.
"Though I share a bed with my husband, I do not enjoy enough sleep, because he snores," she says.
Her dilemma mirrors the challenges faced by many married couples, who struggle to balance sleep hygiene and intimacy.
According to a 2017 report by the National Sleep Foundation, about one in every four married couples sleeps in separate beds.
Dr. Edith Kamaru Kwobah, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, believes that sharing a bed is beneficial for couples. "It is good for couples to share a bed, to bond and to have sufficient sex, and catch up on a few things, so that they agree in marriage," she says.
However, not everyone agrees. Bishop Paul Korir of the Anglican Diocese of Kapsabet suggests that sleeping on the same bed can trigger intimacy, which may not be suitable for older couples.
"As people age, they become sexually inactive, and having them sleep on the same bed would make them feel sorry, and invite deaths earlier, as they are not able to," he explains.
Dr. Fredrick Kairithia, an obstetrician and gynecologist, notes that sharing a bed with a baby can play a key role in bonding. However, depending on the age of the baby, it is advisable to have them sleep in a separate bed for safety reasons.
Ultimately, whether couples should share a bed or not depends on individual circumstances and preferences. What is clear, however, is that sleep deprivation is a common issue that affects many married couples.
