The Scandinavian Sleep Method (SSM) is a cultural approach to rest originating from Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, prioritizing individual comfort and better sleep quality. This philosophy centers on the idea that personal space and temperature regulation are paramount, even when sharing a bed. The practical application of this method focuses on the bedding arrangement to reduce common sleep disturbances. This guide details the steps for making a bed using this technique.
The Philosophy of Separate Covers
The core concept of the Scandinavian Sleep Method involves replacing one large, shared comforter with two individual, separate covers, typically single or twin-sized duvets. This distinction serves to eliminate the common nighttime disturbance known as “blanket stealing” or “duvet hogging,” which can interrupt sleep cycles for one or both partners. By granting each person their own cover, the method promotes an environment where movements from one sleeper do not affect the thermal comfort or coverage of the other.
This arrangement acknowledges that co-sleeping partners often have different physiological needs. Since one person may run hot while the other is cold, a shared blanket is an automatic compromise. Separate covers allow each individual to cocoon themselves fully without negotiating insulation, contributing to improved sleep quality.
Step-by-Step Bed Arrangement
The process of making a bed with the Scandinavian Sleep Method begins with a fitted sheet covering the mattress. True to the traditional Scandinavian style, a flat sheet is often omitted entirely, as the duvet cover itself is intended to be washed frequently as the primary layer next to the body. Using two separate single-sized duvets is the recommended approach for most queen or king-sized beds, providing ample coverage for each person without excessive overlap.
Each duvet is placed directly on the fitted sheet, positioned on the side of the bed where each person sleeps. To create a neat, visually harmonious look, the two duvets can be arranged in a few ways. They can be laid side-by-side, perfectly flat, with a slight overlap down the center line of the bed to ensure full coverage. Alternatively, for a tidier appearance, each duvet can be folded lengthwise in half or in thirds, then placed neatly on its respective side of the bed.
Pillows are placed as usual at the head of the bed. A decorative throw blanket or bedspread can be layered horizontally across the foot of the bed to visually connect the two separate duvets and streamline the aesthetic. This final layer helps disguise the central division, ensuring each person can easily pull their own duvet up without disturbing the daytime display.
Choosing and Customizing Your Duvets
A significant benefit of the separate cover system is the ability to tailor each duvet to the individual sleeper’s specific thermal requirements. This customization is primarily based on two factors: the duvet’s fill material and its tog rating. The tog rating is a measure of a duvet’s thermal insulation, with higher numbers indicating greater warmth; for instance, a hot sleeper might choose a lightweight 4.5 tog duvet, while their cold-sleeping partner selects a warmer 10.5 or 13.5 tog.
The choice of fill material also allows for personalization, impacting both warmth and weight. Options like European goose down offer superior insulation with minimal weight, suitable for those who prefer a light, airy feel. Wool is a naturally temperature-regulating material that provides a heavier, draping feel. Synthetic fills, such as hollowfiber, offer a hypoallergenic and budget-friendly alternative that can be customized to different weights.
For aesthetic consistency, it is advisable to use matching duvet covers, even if the internal duvets have different weights or materials. However, some couples choose to use slightly different colors or textures to clearly distinguish which duvet belongs to whom. By selecting the optimal weight and material for their personal micro-climate, each sleeper can maintain the body temperature that best supports deep, uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.