A few years ago I went to Finland on a work trip. The experience was incredible, and we did everything from meeting reindeer to plunging into freezing cold water after doing the traditional Finnish sauna. We also stayed at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, and there was something unique about the rooms. In addition to the floor to ceiling glass windows in the rooms, it also featured Scandinavian bedding.
At the time I thought it was brilliant. A king bed with two twin comforters and no flat sheet, genius. Despite loving it, I came home and didn’t change anything, until recently. I was tired of tossing and turning in bed (and so was Craig). As sleep-deprived parents, we needed quality rest. So I decided to try the Scandinavian Sleep method. Here’s how Scandinavian bedding and the Scandinavian Sleep Method works, and if it might be able to help you get a better night’s sleep.
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The Scandinavian Sleep Method
What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?
While I discovered the Scandinavian sleep method in Finland, it’s said to have originated from Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The concept is actually very simple. Instead of sharing blankets and getting twisted up in top sheets, partners sleep in the same bed. But each has their own comforter and only use one fitted sheet (no top sheet).
How Does the Scandinavian Sleep Method Work?
Have you ever wrestled with a partner in bed over a blanket? Does the top sheet get pushed down to the end of the bed and wedged between the comforter? Do one of you sleep cold and the other sleep hot? The Scandinavian Sleep method can help with all of the above. I will be the first to admit I did not want to give up my top sheet (it’s a hotly debated issue in the US). But in many European and Scandinavian countries, the top (flat) sheet just isn’t a thing.
Step one in using the Scandinavian Sleep method is ditching the top sheet. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. Step two is using two comforters so each person has their own blanket. We have a king bed so we are using two twin comforters and one fitted sheet. You can customize your bedding to make an ideal sleeping environment for both you and your partner. For example, if one of you gets more hot than the other, you could use a heavier or lighter comforter. To pull the bed together you can add a throw blanket or other quilt on top.
Practical Tips for Trying the Scandinavian Sleep Method
start with a fitted sheet
You don’t need the top sheet with the Scandinavian Sleep Method, so you can skip that and make your bed with a fitted sheet. Honestly it’s really nice not using a top sheet (I never thought I’d say that).
use two comforters
Each side gets a comforter, you can even customize the weight depending on personal sleep habits. I tend to get cold while Craig is always hot. We have a king sized bed, so we each use a twin comforter that we fold in half lengthwise when making the bed. There are a lot of fun duvet covers in twin size. H&M Home has some of my favorite options.
add a quilt and pillows
To pull the look of the bed together and make it cohesive, you can add a blanket, quilt or throw at the end of the bed. You can even get a blanket in the same color as your fitted sheet to tie it all together.
Pros and Cons of the Scandinavian Sleep Method
Some of the obvious pros of the Scandinavian Sleep Method are better temperature regulation at night and less sleep disturbances. If your partner tosses and turns, steals the blanket or the top sheet, it can wake you up and make it harder to get a restful night sleep. If one of you sleeps hot and the other sleeps cold, it can be hard to get the right temperature for sleeping. With two separate comforters you can get the right weight bedding for an optimal sleeping temperature.
One of the cons to this sleep method is that it’s not conducive to cuddling. If you like to snuggle with your partner, two separate blankets can make that tricky, but you can easily overlap them before nodding off to get those cuddles in before snoozing.
Another potential downside is making the bed, it can take slightly longer to make the bed with two comforters, though I have not noticed a difference, and without the top sheet, it’s basically the same amount of time.
At the end of the day, sleep is so important for our mental, emotional and physical well being.
I feel like a completely different person after a good night’s sleep. The Scandinavian Sleep Method can be an effective way to get a better night’s sleep (on top of other healthy sleep habits). If you and your partner fight over comforters, or get too hot or too cold, considering giving it a try. With the right combination of twin comforters and a fitted sheet, the Scandinavian Sleep Method can be a great way to help you sleep more soundly. And get the restful night’s sleep you need. It has worked for us, and I can’t imagine going back to the old way!
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