Barbara Corcoran, the 76-year-old business mogul and star of “Shark Tank,” has shared her unconventional perspective on marriage, advocating for couples to consider having separate bedrooms. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, she emphasized that this arrangement significantly improved her relationship with her husband, retired Navy captain and FBI agent Bill Higgins.
Corcoran expressed her sentiments with enthusiasm, stating, “When I got my second bedroom, I immediately loved my husband twice as much.” She believes that sleeping apart can foster a stronger connection, allowing couples to maintain their individuality while still nurturing their relationship.
For those living in smaller spaces, Corcoran suggested practical alternatives to having separate rooms. “They could get separate beds. They could put a wall up. They could sleep on the convertible couch,” she recommended, noting that many couples in urban settings might not fully utilize their available space. She pointed out that some New Yorkers, who have the luxury of two bedrooms, often waste one as a den or TV room.
The couple has been married since 1988, and for Corcoran, carving out personal time is essential. She practices this by waking up at 5:00 AM, enjoying her coffee in solitude, and taking time to reflect. “I try to stay off my cellphone and I usually succeed,” she noted, indicating that this quiet time aids her mental clarity and well-being.
In managing her busy professional life, Corcoran has established a rule for herself: she does not work on Mondays. “I take Mondays off, and I always have. I will not work on a Monday,” she affirmed. To prepare for the week ahead, she organizes her tasks on Fridays, leaving notes for her team or sending emails to ensure a smooth workflow.
Corcoran’s endorsement of “sleep divorce” is not new. In a December 2024 appearance on the Jamie Kern Lima Show, she elaborated on the concept, describing her individual space as a crucial component of her successful marriage. “I have a huge family that I’m always entertaining. I have very sincere, active friends, and so what I need more than anything else is a respite,” she explained. Corcoran admitted it can be challenging to engage fully with her husband after a long day, making the separation beneficial for both.
The notion of sleeping apart is gaining traction among other public figures as well. Television personality Carson Daly has referred to sleep divorce as the “best thing” for his marriage, while actress Bette Midler has revealed that she and her husband have maintained separate sleeping arrangements since the inception of their relationship over 40 years ago.
Corcoran’s views challenge traditional marital norms and encourage couples to explore what works best for them, regardless of societal expectations. By prioritizing personal space, she believes that couples can enhance their love and connection, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling relationship.