We all do it. We all need it. Most of us spend a third of our lives experiencing it, and if we don't, we're probably trying to catch up. I'm talking, of course, about sleep — a topic that's inspired songs (from The Beatles to Beastie Boys to Metallica), art (Henri Matisse's "Portrait of Marguerite Sleeping," anyone?) and enduring quotes, such as Steinbeck's, "It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it." It's a sentiment many would agree with — and why it's so important to make the most of your sleep .
But that's not always easy, especially with stress, health factors and general comfort in the mix. Things can get even more dicey when you share a bed with another person; then it's not only your rest that's affected, but your partner's too. It is possible to take some control over this, though, and that's where the Scandinavian Sleep Method comes in.
What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?
OK, first things first — what is this Nordic-inspired sleep hack, and why have folks from Sweden, Norway and Denmark been doing it for so long? It's actually quite simple. The first time I visited Norway back in 2019, I noticed that bedding looked a bit different. Namely, every bed I encountered, even in hotels, was made with two duvets — one on each half of the bed — instead of one large comforter . Rather than share a single blanket, co-sleeping pairs in this region each use their own separate duvet and insert.
What makes this method so particularly Scandinavian ? It comes down to two points: climate and culture. Scandinavia gets very cold (shocking, I know), and over many years, the region adapted its sleep traditions to help conserve warmth. There's also a cultural focus on personal space and autonomy in many Scandinavian areas, and the separate-blankets approach lets people choose bedding that suits their preferences while maintaining a cuddle-friendly co-sleeping experience. Duvet covers and inserts are periodically swapped out to reflect the weather, with lighter, more breathable materials in summer and heavier, warmer fabrics in winter.
The Scandinavian Sleep Method in action
My husband and I took to the concept and have been using two smaller duvets on our bed since we arrived home. It minimizes accidental blanket-stealing and allows us to select our ideal fabrics. I, for instance, love anything soft and fluffy but get overheated easily; he enjoys heavier options and flannels and radiates heat like a mini-furnace.
It's not just about temperature, either. If you or your partner sleep restlessly — tossing, turning, frequent wake-ups — using your own bedding will drastically reduce the likelihood of that affecting your sleepmate. (Ditto for blanket hogging; don't worry, we don't judge!) According to studies , those who sleep with a restless partner are much more likely to also wake up during the night. This is one easy way to make snooze time more satisfying for everyone involved. After all, we all need our beauty sleep !
There's another, more unexpected benefit to the Scandinavian Sleep Method — making laundry day much easier. While duvet covers should be washed at least every couple of weeks, duvet inserts can be washed every few months since they don't make direct contact with the skin . That's a lot less hassle than washing a huge comforter multiple times a month. It's also a reasonable, intermediate step for couples with such differing sleep styles that they're considering a " sleep divorce ." Buying two duvets is definitely cheaper than buying two beds.
Getting started with the Scandinavian Sleep Method
Scandinavia must be doing something right: The region's countries are all near the top of Sleep Junkie's ranked list of sleep satisfaction and balanced lifestyles. (Here in the U.S.? We're hanging out down at No. 87.) Sounds like giving the Scandinavian Sleep Method a shot might be a secret cheat code for getting more restful sleep, and as a result, living a more satisfying, harmonious life.
So, as the Norwegians would say, drøm søtt (sweet dreams)!
If you're looking for duvet inserts for your Scandinavian Sleep Method journey, this one is a great place to start. Plush and oh-so-popular, this blankie feels lighter than air but will also keep you warm on cold nights. It features a box-stitch design to prevent the filling from bunching, and when paired with a luxurious duvet cover, no one will guess that the comforter inside is so inexpensive.
Worth calling out: It's Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified (translation: it was manufactured without the use of over 1,000 harmful substances) — which isn't always common with inexpensive bedding.
Looking for an even snugglier option? The filling in this snuggly Serta comforter is made of 90% goose feather fiber and 10% goose down fiber, processed to be hypoallergenic and certified free of any harmful chemicals. It's a great option as a duvet insert — this particular version is all-season, but you can opt for extra warmth for max thickness.
Amazon
If you just need a standard — though still extra soft! — couple of duvet covers, this option fits the bill. Each cover is crafted from plush, double-brushed fabric for an extra-smooth, sumptuous sleep experience, and it's also wrinkle- and fade-resistant. It comes with two pillow shams and, best of all, you can choose from tons of colors; we're sure you'll find a shade here to fit your bedroom decor.
This set contains a duvet cover and two pillowcases to match. Each item is made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose for buttery softness that feels good on all skin types. It's also ideal for anyone who sleeps hot — the fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
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