Sleep loss can kill a relationship. In a study at the University of California at Berkeley, researchers found that sleep deprivation fractures brain mechanisms that tame our emotional responses to stressors. In other words, once provoked by a spouse or significant other after sleep deprivation, there's no guarantee we will play nice. And that kills sex and considerably lowers the chances of staying together. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen.

1. TALK TO YOUR PARTNER.

Be factual, brief, and don't bring in other issues. Avoid personal criticism. Women who refuse to discuss sleep issues with their partners may be putting themselves at risk for more than insomnia. A Maryland study recently found that women who "self-silenced" during conflicts with their spouses were four times more likely to die over a 10-year period than women who did not.

2. EMPHASIZE THAT IT'S "OUR" PROBLEM.

That makes it clear that you're in this for the long haul and you've got his back.

3. ENCOURAGE HIM TO GET HELP.

Suggest he make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss the issue and consider whether or not a referral to a sleep center certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine would help.

4. USE PROPS.

Eye masks, ear plugs, white-noise machines, mattresses with "firmness" controls, feather boas-use whatever it takes to increase the likelihood that you'll sleep through your partner's tossing and turning.

5. SEPARATE.

If the problem is long-term, think twin beds or separate rooms. You can always tiptoe in for a morning cuddle after a good night's sleep.

失眠可能会导致情侣间关系的破裂。加利福尼亚大学伯克莱分校的研究人员进行了一项调查，他们发现，失眠会引起脑机制的紊乱，从而影响对应激物的情感反应。换句话说，一旦被爱人或者伴侣打扰了睡眠，我们就容易变得烦躁不安。这会导致不愉快的性生活，使双方难以相处。不过不用担心，这里的小秘诀能有效地防止此类事情发生。

1. 和伴侣聊聊天

实际一点，简短一点，不要扯到其他话题，不要批评伴侣。如果你的女伴不想在睡时谈论问题，那可能说明煎熬她的可不只是失眠。最近，一项来自马里兰大学的研究显示，和与伴侣争吵时"发挥正常"的相比，那些"自行安静"的女性减少十年寿命的可能性大大地增加了。

2.强调这是"我们的"问题

这将告诉你的伴侣，你会一直陪伴在她/他身边，不弃不离。

3. 鼓励她/他去寻求帮助

建议她/他去找找你们的家庭医生，一起研究睡眠问题；美国睡眠医学学会认证了一些睡眠中心，可以考虑前往那些医院寻求帮助。

4. 采用小道具

眼罩、耳塞、白噪声机1 、能控制好的垫子、毛皮披肩---无论是什么。当伴侣翻来覆去时，用些小道具能让你睡得更安稳。

5. 分开睡觉

如果这个问题已经持续很久了，可以考虑睡在不同的床或者分房。安睡一夜后，这时能来一个温情的偎依。