Sleep compatibility? Nighttime habits can make or break relationships

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Over a fifth of Americans have broken up with a partner due to their annoying sleep habits, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed 17% have ended a relationship solely due to their ex-partner’s disruptive nighttime habits, while 6% said this was part of why the relationship failed.

And for those who have broken up with a partner due to their sleep habits, 54% were honest about this being the reason.

Commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress (https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com) and conducted by Talker Research, respondents were asked to share what specifically led to the end of the relationship.

Snoring was a common theme, mentioned in 62% of free-text responses, including one who said their ex “snored like a chainsaw” and they “couldn’t take it anymore.”

Others were more unique grievances, with one respondent sharing their previous partner “watch[ed] war shows all night,” while another said, “eating potato chips in bed was the final straw.”

This was in line with the data, as snoring was found to be the most annoying thing someone can do in their sleep (44%), with women more likely to find this disruptive (49% vs. 39%).

After snoring, respondents said excessive tossing and turning (30%) and stealing the covers (27%) are the most annoying habits a partner can have.

Watching TV while in bed (24%) was next, followed by getting up during the night to use the bathroom and eating in bed (both 18%).

“As wonderful as it can be to share a bed with someone you love, it can also be difficult to mesh two sleep schedules and all the various sleep habits we each have,” said Laura Scott, director of brand marketing at Avocado Green Mattress. “While it’s a cliché to say, communication is key.

“Everyone has different needs at night: some people prefer to sleep with noise — even war shows — while others need silence, so talking to your partner and figuring out a compromise is the best way to move forward, versus arguing about it nightly.”

Two-thirds of respondents (64%) said they’re willing to accept their partner’s disruptive sleep habits.

But many Americans have still taken steps to alleviate these annoying habits — either their own or their partner’s. A quarter have tried supplements or medication, while a fifth admit to sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms.

To try and get a better night’s sleep, respondents have also changed their mattress (17%), tried wearing headphones (16%), been to a doctor (14%) or changed the bedframe or base (9%).

“It can be hard to sleep next to someone who’s snoring, or constantly tossing and turning,” said Scott. “While wearing headphones might block out the noise, a more comfortable solution would be to look at your mattress and your bedframe to ensure you and your partner have proper support at night. This can help reduce these disruptive sleep habits, and ensure everyone gets a better night’s rest.”

WHEN SHARING A BED WITH SOMEONE, AMERICANS FIND THESE THE MOST ANNOYING

Snoring — 44%
Tossing and turning — 30%
Stealing the covers — 27%
Watching TV while in bed — 24%
Getting up during the night to use the bathroom — 18%
Eating in bed — 18%
Listening to music while in bed — 14%
Sleeptalking — 12%
Sleepwalking — 7%

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 1–6, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

Survey questions

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