Sensitive Sleeper Sharing a Bed? Get Your Own Duvet

If you’re a sensitive sleeper, sharing a bed can come with some challenges. Waking up in the middle of the night shivering because the covers are pulled off you or drenched in sweat from a thick, heavy duvet? For individuals with sensory sensitivities, sharing a single duvet can lead to sleepless nights filled with discomfort. The good news? There’s a simple solution used in several Scandinavian countries that could transform your sleep routine: two duvets on one bed.

[Also see: 5 Quick Tips to Make Your Home More Sensory-Friendly]

The Problem with One Duvet

In the U.S., it’s common practice for couples to share one large duvet, often a king- or queen-sized blanket, across the bed. This works fine for some, but it introduces a host of issues, especially for those who are sensitive to sensory disruptions or temperature changes.

First, there’s the classic “tug-of-war” that many couples experience during the night. You wake up at 3 a.m. to find that your partner has unintentionally cocooned themselves in the duvet, leaving you exposed to the cool night air. Or perhaps you’re on the other side of the equation—waking up overheated because both of you have too much blanket but feeling guilty about kicking the covers off and potentially leaving your partner cold.

For sensitive sleepers, sharing a duvet can also mean navigating differences in personal space and temperature control. Maybe you’re someone who needs to feel fully wrapped up and secure, while your partner likes to sleep cool and unencumbered. Or perhaps you have a heightened awareness of textures and prefer a softer, lighter blanket, while your partner enjoys a heavier, more structured duvet. The struggle to find a balance can leave you both tossing and turning through the night.

The overarching problem is that one duvet doesn’t adequately accommodate individual preferences, which can result in frustration and sleeplessness for couples with differing sleeping styles. Fortunately, there’s an alternative that’s not only practical but already embraced in other parts of the world.

Why Use Two Duvets?

In several Scandinavian countries, it’s completely normal for couples to sleep with two separate duvets instead of one large one. This might sound unusual to Americans, but it’s a game-changing solution, especially for sensitive sleepers who crave personal space, temperature regulation, and autonomy over their nighttime environment.

So why use two duvets? Here are some key benefits:

Temperature Control: With two duvets, you and your partner can each choose the weight, thickness, and material of your own blanket. This means you can stay cozy under a lightweight, breathable duvet while your partner enjoys a heavier, more insulating option. No more compromising on temperature! You get to control your sleeping environment without worrying about how it affects your partner.
Personal Space: For people who are sensitive to touch or prefer a bit of space when they sleep, two duvets allow for personal comfort without having to constantly negotiate boundaries. You get the freedom to snuggle into your own duvet or toss it aside when you get too warm, all without disturbing your partner.
No More Duvet Tug-of-War: One of the most obvious benefits is eliminating the middle-of-the-night blanket battle. With two duvets, you each have your own, so no one has to worry about the other person hogging the covers. It’s a simple solution that lets you sleep through the night undisturbed.
Custom Comfort: In addition to temperature control, you can choose the material and feel of your duvet. Some people prefer the soft, fluffy texture of down, while others might like the smooth, cooling feel of cotton or bamboo. You can even experiment with weighted blankets if deep pressure helps calm your sensory system, all without having to worry about your partner’s preferences.
Better Sleep Quality: By giving each person their own duvet, you minimize disruptions that can occur from being too hot or too cold or feeling restricted by the shared bedding. For sensitive individuals, uninterrupted sleep is key to feeling refreshed and well-rested, and two duvets can be a great way to achieve that.

In short, the two-duvet system allows both partners to enjoy the best possible sleep without compromise, making it an especially appealing option for those who are sensitive to changes in temperature or who need their own space to sleep peacefully.

Where to Get Double Duvets

If the idea of two duvets sounds like a dream, you might wonder where to find them. In Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, it’s easy to find bedding designed specifically for this setup. However, in the U.S., it’s just as simple to make your own version with two regular-sized twin duvets.

Most American stores don’t specifically advertise “couple’s duvets” like those found in Europe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own cozy setup. You can simply buy two twin-sized duvets (or full-sized if you want a bit more coverage), and each person can customize their duvet to fit their needs. When you make your bed, you just fold each duvet in half for a clean, organized look.

Here are a few options to get you started:

Amazon Twin Duvets: Amazon offers a variety of twin duvets in different weights, materials, and price ranges, making it easy to find one that fits your comfort preferences.
IKEA: IKEA has a range of affordable twin duvets and duvet covers, perfect for setting up a two-duvet system on a budget.
West Elm: For those looking for something a bit more luxurious, West Elm offers higher-end duvet options, including organic and sustainably sourced materials.

Once you’ve picked out your individual duvets, you can also choose matching or complementary duvet covers to tie your bedding look together. With two duvets, you can enjoy a cozy night’s sleep without sacrificing your personal comfort or style.

Conclusion

Although the one-duvet approach is traditional in the U.S., it sometimes pays to go against the grain and borrow ideas from other cultures. The two-duvet system, popular in Scandinavia, provides an easy solution to the common challenges of shared bedding—especially for sensitive sleepers. It allows for individualized comfort, eliminates nighttime disruptions, and helps each person sleep soundly without compromising their personal space or preferences. Whether you’re struggling with temperature regulation or just want a better night’s sleep, switching to two duvets might be the simple change you need. After all, a good night’s sleep is worth stepping outside the norm for!

For more tips on sensory-friendly home updates, check out 5 Quick Tips to Make Your Home More Sensory-Friendly.