If no one wants to cop to snoring, that’s ok. The terms “dual owner suites” or “alternate dual master suites” can also be used to describe a smaller, sound-proof room inside the master suite. Whatever the name, the idea is to make sure each partner gets some shut-eye.
Snoring also becomes more prominent as people age and lose muscle tone. Whatever the cause, unwanted noise can disturb sleeping patterns and have half of a couple pulling out their hair … or ready to pull out their partner’s.
To keep the peace, “snoring” rooms can sometimes be the answer. When creating such a room, designers suggest setting the room directly off or even within the confines of the master, to keep a feeling of connectedness. But a snoring room doesn’t have to be a separate room. It can be improvised in an alcove or cubby. This will help prevent partners from feeling distanced from one another.
If a distinct room is desired, however, one way to keep it separate but equal is through the use of insulated glass doors. This will allow both people to be seen, but not heard.
Snoring isn’t the only reason to create extra sleeping space. Some couples have work schedules that conflict with each other’s sleep patterns. Others may have incompatible sleep cycles-an early riser and a night owl, for example. Medical conditions can also cause the need for separate quarters. And while no one likes to plan for a decline in health, a bedroom suite within or next to a suite can be an asset if and when the need arises.
Many 55-and-up communities offer the option of the dual-owner suites because couples have requested it. In fact, homes with this option have become a selling point in many communities, especially for those who want to find a solution to a lifetime of snoring struggles. By thinking and planning ahead, no one has to spend evenings on a lumpy couch. And with nearly 30 percent of U.S. adults not getting enough sleep, according to a National Health Interview Survey, some quiet time might make a big difference.
Adaptable and flexible home designs can also work for multi-generational families who share the same house. This concept is also workable when there are two co-owners of a house. For example, families that have aging parents that may require assistance may choose a two master suite configuration. Typically, dual master suites are connected by an adjoining bathroom, allowing doors to be closed for privacy.
Another option is to create a room designed as a den that can be accessed through a bathroom or dressing area of the master bedroom. The den can contain a pull-out sofa or easily be converted into a second sleeping room.
Eighteen percent of American couples do not sleep in the same room with their significant other, according to the National Sleep Foundation. “Snoring rooms” might be the next big thing when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.