The Drift

Bedroom Revelations: Things You Learn When You Sleep Next to Someone

You’re never more guileless and vulnerable than when you’re sleeping. Which is why it’s always unnerving the first time you sleep near a partner, or even a roommate. For every sleeptalker, there’s a sleepwalker; for every insomniac, there’s a rock-solid sleeper who greedily annexes the bed.

In the video above, nine pairs—couples, former roommates, touring band members—describe their often fraught nocturnal relationships. There will be stolen comforters. There will be kicks, karate chops, and unexpected sleep-talking in native languages. Even for people who have been together for years, it turns out, there can be some surprises.

Read more from The Drift, Slate’s pop-up blog about sleep.