I Finally Tried The Scandinavian Sleep Method and I’ve Never Been More Rested

It’s true what they say: Opposites attract (at least in my case). My husband is a hot sleeper, and I’m persistently cold. He is perpetually asking, “Does it feel hot in here to you?” and I’m never without a sweater on hand just in case. Our body temperature differences do come with some challenges, like ensuring our bed setup, including which blankets to use, is comfortable for us both to sleep well. 

It’s tough to find a duvet that doesn’t have him sweating at 3 a.m. and me shivering. Not to mention, I’m a light sleeper with a habit of shifting during the night who favors a weighted blanket, while my husband falls asleep instantly and cannot fathom sleeping with more than one layer. Plus, we’re both guilty of hogging the blankets. 

That’s meant years of doing our best to accommodate each other’s sleep needs, trying to be considerate of sharing one comforter, and generally hoping each day that we would get a restful night’s sleep. Thankfully, that’s all in the past. Over a year ago, we tried the Scandinavian sleep method, and now we understand why it’s taken over stateside. It’s dramatically improved our sleep quality, and we’ve never looked back.

So, what exactly is the Scandinavian sleep method? It’s a practice where bedmates sleep with two separate duvets instead of sharing one, allowing each person to have their own blanket (and usually forgoing a top sheet altogether). As the name implies, the sleep style gets its name from Scandinavian countries — like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark — where it’s common, although it’s commonly practiced in other areas, too. The concept has gained popularity more recently in the U.S., partially thanks to viral videos like this TikTok from Swedish influencer Cecilia Blomdahl. 

The idea is that by using individual duvets, you can reduce sleep disruptions and better regulate your own body temperature. That’s certainly been the case for me and my husband.

With more freedom to move around while we sleep, gone are the days of blanket tug-of-war in the middle of the night. We love being able to cocoon in our own duvets, and I can add as many blankets as I need. If one of us has to wake up earlier, we’re able to get in and out of bed without disturbing the other. Plus, with fewer disruptions throughout the night, we’ve gotten so much more restful sleep, which has felt like an absolute luxury.

Before making the leap and ditching one comforter forever, I recommend trying the Scandivianian sleep method for a week or two to give yourselves some time to adjust. If the sleep style works for you, consider finding duvets with material that suits you and your partner’s individual body temperatures. Ask yourself if you want to be rebellious and use top sheets or if you need more blankets added to the mix. The big draw is that you can tailor your sleep experience to your and your partner’s needs. 

If you’re concerned about how to make the Scandinavian sleep hack look good, you can buy duvets in the same solid color so it’s less noticeable that there are two of them, which is what my husband and I do. We fold the complementary duvets side by side and it creates a cohesive look. You can also position a throw blanket towards the bottom of the bed to help disguise any unwanted lines from double duvets.

However, if you and your partner like colorful, bold design, this is an opportunity to show off your personalities, too. You can each choose your own duvets in different colors and patterns and lean into a mismatched aesthetic. 

No matter how you decorate the bed, you can look forward to the prospect of getting some more solid shut-eye. Because the Scandinavian sleep method isn’t just a marketing phrase or fleeting trend. For couples who are plagued by sleep issues — my husband and myself very much included — the sleep style offers a practical solution with minimal effort.