‘OUR SEX LIFE IS THE BEST IT’S EVER BEEN’

Julia Champion, 53, from south-east London, never sleeps in the same bed as her husband. ‘My husband and I have been together for about 18 years and for 16 of those we’ve slept apart. His snoring is unbelievably loud. Even when we go on holiday, we get him a separate room in another wing of the hotel to the rest of the family, as you can even hear it through the walls. I’ve never been a good sleeper and although I’ve read books and he’s tried nose strips, a sleep divorce works best for us.

It started when I was breastfeeding with our first daughter. I would go into the spare room to feed her and then wouldn’t return, as I knew I’d never be able to get back to sleep again with him snoring. Gradually, I began going to bed there every night. When we bought our current home we specifically chose our own rooms on different floors and opposite sides of the house.

As much as I love my husband, I just can’t bear the sound of his snoring. We both work hard all day and we need our sleep.

I’ve no doubt that sleeping apart is the secret to our happy marriage.

Our sex life is the best it’s ever been. It’s more spontaneous – there’s no sense of obligation to do it at a certain time of day. It’s more special this way.’

‘I just can’t bear his snoring’