Carson Daly and his spouse, Mia, have transformed their approach to nighttime arrangements, moving from a phase of “sleep divorce” to what they now call “sleep separation.” “It’s the best thing that ever happened to us,” said the co-host of the TODAY show.
The couple’s sleep issues may have begun with a baby in a crib beside their bed, children sneaking in during the night, or simply snoring. However, they are not alone in this; a 2004 survey by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that nearly one in four couples (23%) opt for similar sleeping arrangements. Daly, 48, first discussed their night-time setup in 2020, humorously stating, “I was served my sleep-divorce papers a few years ago.” He further noted, “We both, admittedly, slept better apart.”
Recently, the couple’s strategies have shifted again. “Now we’ve reconciled a bit so we’re just sleep separated, so some nights I’m in the bed, some nights I’m on the couch or in the guest room.” Daly is also considering a new idea he learned about from his co-hosts. Dubbed the ‘Scandinavian method,’ the concept involves each partner using their own comforters or duvets. “Studies have actually found that sleeping with the same blanket can lead to more interrupted sleep, as much as 30 percent,” Daly explained. “The logic here is that you’re less likely to be woken up by your partner if you’re sleeping with your own duvet or your own comforter.”
The Dalys began sleeping apart during Mia’s pregnancy with their fourth child, daughter Emma, who is now 2. They are also parents to Lily, 7, Ava, 9, and Max, 13. “It just wasn’t really working when she was in her third trimester, and I also have sleep apnea,” Daly shared. “She couldn’t get comfortable, so we were like a commercial you would see, kicking each other and just not sleeping.”
The couple mutually decided that a sleep divorce was the best solution for everyone involved. With Daly’s early wake-up time for his TODAY show responsibilities, the separate sleeping arrangements have continued even after Emma’s arrival. Whether it’s separate blankets, beds, or rooms, finding a way to ensure a good night’s sleep is crucial for their marriage, no matter what terminology they use.
For more insights, check out this blog post about other couples’ experiences with similar situations here, and if you want authoritative information on the topic, visit this resource. Additionally, for anyone exploring pregnancy options, here’s an excellent resource on IVF here.
Search queries:
- what is sleep divorce?
- how to improve sleep as a couple
- benefits of sleeping separately
- ways to sleep better together
- tips for sleep separation
In summary, Carson Daly and Mia have adapted their sleeping arrangements from a complete sleep divorce to a more flexible sleep separation, which they believe enhances their overall quality of sleep and strengthens their relationship.