Three Suggestions For Widows And Widowers Who Have Lost Their Bed-Sharing Partner

Maintain the Routine
A number of widows and widowers I have interviewed have talked about keeping the bed-sharing routine. Before going to bed they might still watch the television programs they used to watch with their partner, even programs that never really liked. They might continue to sleep on the same side of the bed they slept on when they were bed sharing. And they might continue to keep things the way they were when their spouse and they shared the bed–how many blankets they have on the bed, the thermostat setting, the routine of reading a bit or watching a bit of television before lights out, having a night light on, and so on. Maintaining the routine can be a sweet way of staying connected with the spouse, and it also can be a way to keep on getting a good night’s sleep.