Boomers Are Sleeping Solo—And They Might Be Onto Something

This trend among Boomers doesn’t surprise me—in fact, it highlights a shift in how relationships and individuality have evolved over the decades. For Boomers, many of whom were raised with traditional relationship ideals, sharing a bed was often seen as an obligatory part of intimacy. But as they’ve aged, they’ve likely begun prioritizing personal comfort and well-being over outdated notions of ‘togetherness.’

"Solo sleep, shared wisdom—finding rest on your own terms."

Sleeping alone doesn’t have to signal a lack of connection; for Boomers, it might reflect a deeper level of self-awareness and honesty about what they need to function at their best. This generation has spent decades navigating relationships and likely learned that proximity doesn’t equal closeness. If a good night’s sleep means separate bedrooms, they’re less likely to feel guilty about it—and they’ve earned that confidence.

Younger generations, on the other hand, often view shared sleeping arrangements as an extension of emotional intimacy. For Millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to emphasize emotional compatibility and shared experiences, co-sleeping may feel like a natural expression of their relationship dynamic. But give them 30 years of snoring, tossing, and differing sleep schedules, and we might see a similar shift in their attitudes.

Ultimately, this isn’t about who’s right or wrong—it’s about understanding that relationships evolve, and so do the ways we express closeness. For Boomers, reclaiming personal space might be the most loving act they can offer themselves—and their partner.