What Is the Scandinavian Sleep Method & Why You Should Try it
From the creators of hygge.
The Scandinavian sleep method is a sleep practice that involves separate duvets or comforters for sleep partners to ensure optimal comfort and customization while preventing blanket hogging. This sleep method originated in Nordic countries but is now gaining popularity globally. Read on to learn more about what the Scandinavian sleep method is and why you should add it to your sleep routine.
What Is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?
The Scandinavian sleep method is a cultural staple in Nordic countries – especially Sweden, Denmark, and Norway – but it’s recently gained global popularity thanks to social media. Instead of sharing one large comforter or duvet, each person uses their own smaller one, allowing for personalized comfort based on individual sleep preferences. This setup lets couples share a bed while customizing their own covers, whether they sleep hot or cold or prefer a specific fabric.
Benefits of the Scandinavian Sleep Method
Adopting the Scandinavian sleep method comes with several benefits.
- Increased Sleep Quality: The Scandinavian sleep method can improve your sleep quality by allowing you to customize your side of the bed to your sleep preferences and eliminating blanket hogging from either side for uninterrupted sleep.
- Improved Temperature Regulation: No more sweating under the covers because your partner insists on sleeping with several layers of covers. Pile on the blankets if you sleep cold, or choose cooling fabrics like percale or linen for your side if you typically run hot.
- Better Sleep With Pets: If your pets like to sleep on top of the covers in between you and your partner, this can contribute to blanket hogging with a single comforter. With two separate comforters, your pet can lie comfortably in between the two without tugging the covers off of either of you.
- Sleep in One Bed: The best part of the Scandinavian sleep method is that it allows you to share a bed with the one you love, even if your sleep preferences are not the most compatible. Sticking to one bed is especially helpful if you don’t have enough space for a separate bed, so neither of you ends up sleeping on the sofa.
How to Try the Scandinavian Sleep Method at Home
Follow these steps to set up your bed for the Scandinavian sleep method.
What You’ll Need:
- Two twin duvet inserts or comforters
- Two duvet covers
- A fitted sheet
- At least two pillows
- Pillowcases
- A mattress
- A bed frame
- Extra throw blankets (optional)
1. Choose Two Duvets
Choose two duvets or comforters for your bed. A twin or twin XL typically works best for a queen or king mattress, while providing each person with enough cover to stay cozy all night.
2. Pick Duvet Covers: Mix or Match
Use two of the same comforters or duvet covers to keep color and pattern cohesive, or choose two complementary ones if you like the mismatched look.
3. Layer on Your Bed
Add in throws or twin-size blankets to make each side as cozy as possible. If you like to pile on the blankets, but your partner doesn’t, layer an extra blanket or two on your side. If you like the cohesive look of a single comforter, you can add a slim quilt or bedspread over your separate covers. This gives you the look of a typical bedding setup without sacrificing the coziness of dual duvets.
4. Toss the Top Sheet
A top sheet is not used in the Scandinavian sleep method, but you will still need a fitted sheet and pillowcases for your bed. If you have a sheet set and want to use the top sheet, you can tuck it in around your mattress and sleep on top of it.
5. Consider Further Customization
Customize more than just your covers for the best night’s sleep ever with these additional tips to elevate your Scandinavian sleep setup.
- Pillows: Instead of purchasing a pack of pillows, opt for individual pillows based on your and your partner's firmness preferences to enhance your sleep quality. Choose from ultra-plush to firm pillows, and browse a variety of fill materials to get the best nights sleep.
- Mattress: If you really want to kick the customization up a notch but want to stick with one bed, consider two twin mattresses on a king bed frame. This allows you to customize how plush or firm the mattress is on each side. You can even opt for a split adjustable bed so you can lift your head or feet while your partner lies flat.
Tip!
Get caught up with all the info you need on types of bedding to make choosing a new set stress-free:
The Ultimate Guide to Bedding
What Is a Duvet Insert?
Your Guide to the Best Sheets for Sleepers of All Kinds
Styling Tips for a Scandinavian-Inspired Bed
Try these styling tips if you love the Scandinavian aesthetic as much as you love the sleep method.
- Use Neutral Color Palettes: Stick to neutral tones when designing your Scandinavian-style bed. Crisp whites, beiges, and muted colors are characteristic of Scandinavian-style bedding.
- Layer Textures: Layer bedding made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and knitted throws for visual and tactile depth. Layering simple materials is the best way to get that cozy hygge look.
- Keep Furniture Simple: When choosing a bed frame and headboard, stick to minimalist styles and natural materials like wood to nail the Scandi aesthetic.
Tip!
Interested in creating a cozy bedroom that embraces the spirit of hygge? Check out these guides for inspiration:
What is Hygge? Our Guide to Hygge Decor & Design
What Is Scandinavian Design?
12 Scandinavian Bedroom Ideas That'll Help You Embrace Hygge
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need two duvets for the Scandinavian sleep method?
Yes, the Scandinavian sleep method uses two separate duvets or comforters – typically twin or twin XL – so each person can customize their sleep experience.
Does the Scandinavian sleep method improve sleep quality?
Yes, it can improve sleep quality by reducing disturbances like blanket pulling and allowing each person to adjust their bedding to their comfort preferences.
What bedding do you need for the Scandinavian sleep method?
You’ll need two duvets or comforters, two duvet covers, a fitted sheet, pillows, and pillowcases. Optional items include throw blankets for extra layering.
Do you use a top sheet with the Scandinavian sleep method?
No, a top sheet is typically not used. Instead, sleepers use duvet covers and a fitted sheet on the mattress.
Can couples still share a bed with the Scandinavian sleep method?
Yes, couples share the same bed but use separate covers, allowing them to sleep comfortably without disrupting each other.
What size duvet should you use for the Scandinavian sleep method?
Twin or twin XL duvets work best for queen or king beds, giving each person enough coverage without overlap.
Does the Scandinavian sleep method work if you sleep with pets?
Yes, using two duvets can help prevent pets from pulling covers away, since each person has their own blanket.
