Health3 min(s) read
Bryan Johnson has revealed that he and his girlfriend of almost four years, Kate Tolo, have never actually shared a bed, a decision the longevity-focused entrepreneur says is designed to protect their sleep and potentially their health.
The biohacker, who is known for his extreme approach to extending lifespan, discussed the unusual arrangement in a video posted online, explaining why he and Tolo maintain separate homes and bedrooms.
“Yes, you heard that right,” Johnson said.
“Kate and I have separate beds and separate homes.”
Johnson, the founder of longevity company Blueprint, has previously described himself as an “impossible partner” and has frequently spoken publicly about his relationship and lifestyle choices.
In a separate post on X, Johnson explained that when he and Tolo are in bed together, the only activity they engage in there physical intimacy.
The entrepreneur's main argument for sleeping apart is that sharing a bed can lead to interruptions throughout the night.
He believes protecting sleep is particularly important because of its relationship with long-term health and ageing.
Johnson referenced research involving 55 couples which found that participants woke approximately six times a night because of their partners.
However, he acknowledged that scientific research doesn't unanimously support the idea that couples should sleep separately.
One study involving 12 heterosexual couples found that sleeping together was associated with a 10 per cent increase in REM sleep, while the partners also experienced greater synchronisation of their sleep cycles.
Research has also suggested differences between men and women, with some findings indicating that women may sleep less well alongside a male partner, while men can experience better sleep when sharing a bed.
Johnson concluded that the benefits may depend on the individual relationship.
“Happier and healthier people may just be more likely to share beds,” he said.
He added: “For some couples, sleeping together improves sleep. For others, separate beds might save your sleep or your relationship. Possibly both.”
Sleeping separately has increasingly become known as a “sleep divorce”, with some couples choosing separate bedrooms or even maintaining separate homes while remaining in relationships.
A 2023 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 35 per cent of Americans said they sleep in a different room from their partner either occasionally or regularly.
The arrangement has also gained attention from sleep specialists and relationship therapists, with some arguing that separate sleeping spaces can allow couples to maintain intimacy while avoiding disrupted sleep.
Harvard Health has similarly published advice for couples considering separate sleeping arrangements, noting that some people report better sleep and less relationship tension as a result.
Johnson's unusual setup with Tolo therefore isn't necessarily unique, although the couple's approach to their relationship has certainly attracted attention.
And while the pair may not be sharing a bedroom, Johnson has previously revealed another highly personal detail about their relationship: he keeps some of Tolo's menstrual blood stored in his freezer.
