The association between couple relationships and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests a link between couple relationships and sleep, yet findings are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching four databases up to March 2023, and included 62 studies with 43,860 participants. Results indicated a moderate correlation between better couple relationship quality and better overall sleep quality (r = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.09–0.59), as well as longer sleep duration (r = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.04–0.65). Regarding specific couple relationship domains, greater partner responsiveness was linked to improved overall sleep quality (r = 0.19, 95%CI = 0.13–0.25), while partner support showed no significant association (r = 0.03, 95%CI = −0.02-0.09). Increased partner conflict was associated with poorer overall sleep quality (r = 0.17, 95%CI = 0.06–0.27). In the studies that could not be meta-analyzed, greater partner conflict significantly correlated with longer actigraphy-based sleep latency and more wake episodes, but not necessarily with shorter actigraphy-based sleep duration. Increased self-disclosure was related to better overall sleep quality, whereas higher perceived rejection was linked to worse overall sleep quality. Higher closeness was not consistently associated with better overall sleep quality. Our results suggest a significant link between better couple relationships and improved sleep. Improving couple relationships may enhance sleep. However, further long-term cohort studies outside the USA are needed to evaluate these associations, particularly regarding specific couple relationship domains and specific sleep indicators.