Why Married Sleeping Separately Is Changing Home Designs in US
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Why are more and more married couples sleeping in separate beds? And how is this affecting home designs in the country?
A 2005 study shows that 23 percent of married couples sleep alone up from 12 percent in 2001.
First of all, we are a coddled people in the United States. We have homes that have many times the space we actually need and we do not like to be disturbed.
This combination is allowing couples who have difficulty sleeping next to their spouse to find another part of the home to sleep in.
That is not all bad as those who are married to one who has restless leg syndrome or loud snoring can attest to. Our lives are fairly fast paced and demanding and to function well in knowledge jobs sleep is very important.
What is interesting is that home builders are designing this lifestyle change into homes. Many homes now have a second master suite billed as a guest suite to accommodate couples who can not share a bed overnight.
This is something to keep in mind for the real estate agents out there this is another data point to keep in mind that could help close the sale.
My question is how do you bring up the sleeping patterns of married couples in a sales presentation to find this out?
How many couples sleep solo in a double bed?
A 2001 random telephone survey of 1,004 adults conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that 12 percent of married Americans slept alone; a similar 2005 survey of 1,506 people found that number had jumped to 23 percent.
In addition, a March online survey of 1,408 couples conducted by the Sleep Council of England found that 1 in 4 people regularly retreats to a spare room or sofa to get a good night’s sleep.
The preference for separate spaces has even begun to affect home design. According to the National Association of Home Builders, there’s been a steady increase in the number of requests for “two-master bedroom” homes since 1990, prompting the organization to predict that by 2015, 60 percent of all custom upscale homes will be built with two “owner suites.” via CNN.com
Hat tip to Dr. Helen, also check out the comments, they are very interesting.
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Comment by Jean-Louis Racine on 23 September 2008:
“What is interesting is that home builders are designing this lifestyle change into homes”. Interesting that it hasn’t been done before; 50 years ago for example, with the development of the suburbs and the affordable housing. But, as you said Tom, our lifestyle has also changed since 50 years. Thanks!
http://www.ratebuilding.com/blog
Comment by Jessica Beganski on 24 September 2008:
I also wonder how many couples sleep in separate beds due to children and pets being allowed to take over the marital bed.
I think the two suite trend is also rooted in the need some families have for space for elederly parents, adult children or even teenagers.
http://CTRealEstateUnleashed.com