Nearly one-third of Americans would like to file for sleep divorce – have separate sleeping arrangements – from their partner, according to a nationwide survey by Mattress Clarity, a sleep product review site.

Of the 3,000 people surveyed about sleeping habits, 10 percent had even ended a relationship because of sleep issues.

Considering we spend about a third of our lives sleeping (or at least trying to), it’s no surprise that these six to nine precious hours of rest become such a tense subject.

A lack of sleep might cut back on productivity or make us grumpy, but it also has some serious physical consequences, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Chronic sleep depravation has been shown to shorten life expectancy, cause the brain to “eat” itself, and even make you less attractive.

Given the circumstances, it’s easy to see why 21.5 percent of people surveyed said they have been in arguments regarding sleep habits, and more than 25 percent have had discussions about allowing pets in the same bed.

A 2010 study by the National Sleep Foundation found that almost 25 percent of married couples already sleep separately. Even so, the new survey suggests more than 40 percent would not want to admit to family members or friends that they were sleeping in different beds.

Sleepers in West Virginia (82.2 percent) and New Hampshire (67.4 percent) were among those most wanting their own sleeping space, while partners in Montana (5.9 percent) and Oklahoma (9.7 percent) seemed relatively content with their current sleeping arrangements.

It should be noted that surveys such as this are often quick and practical, but also run the risk of only representing certain demographics who choose to voluntarily respond, particularly if they were reached out to for having used the company's services in the past.

Currently, it's unclear what type of survey method Mattress Clarity employed for the study. IFLScience reached out to the company for clarification, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

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Does that mean you should really upgrade to an extra bedroom? Well, as with everything, that depends on your circumstances.

Women may need more sleep than men and they tend to have more difficulty falling and staying asleep. 

While there are benefits to sleeping alone – no snoring, blanket battles, or even that inevitable midnight sleep fart – evidence compiled by the Wall Street Journal suggests sleeping with a partner is better for our health in the long run. Cuddling up with your loved one creates a feeling of safety and security, which promotes lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduces cytokines involved in inflammation.

That late-night spoon sesh is also good for your health, as snuggling up boosts levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin and helps the body “relax, reduces blood pressure, and promotes healing.” 

Not ready to file for “sleep divorce” just yet but desperate to get a restful sleep? Experts recommend getting between six and nine hours, keeping regular sleeping hours, and winding down before hitting the pillow.

If all else fails, just sleep naked.

 [H/T: The Independent]