Lifestyle trends like food and sleep divorce rise among couples

Couples are increasingly adopting lifestyle changes such as “food divorce” and “sleep divorce” to manage domestic stress and improve personal well-being.

“Food divorce” involves partners living together but managing their own meals, grocery shopping, and eating schedules independently. This trend aims to reduce arguments regarding meal planning and dietary preferences. Data from the 2025 World Happiness Report indicates that approximately one in four Americans now eats every meal alone, representing a 53 percent increase since 2003.

Similarly, “sleep divorce” refers to couples who share a home but sleep in separate beds or rooms to improve rest. A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 31 percent of U.S. adults have tried sleeping apart to accommodate a partner. Common triggers include snoring or loud breathing, with 39 percent of respondents in a Resmed survey reporting weekly sleep disruptions caused by a partner. While 53 percent of those who try sleeping apart report improved sleep quality, experts note that sharing a bed can still offer benefits for sleep apnea and insomnia severity.