[an error occurred while processing this directive] BBC News
watch One-Minute World News Last Updated: Monday, 12 March 2007,
12:08 GMT US couples seek separate bedrooms New "green home"
design by Pardee in San Diego The quest for better sleep is said
to be behind the trend    The option of having separate rooms
has often improved marriages, they say.  Gopal Ahluwalia, of the
National Association of Home Builders, said the trend was a
"market-driven demand that's going to continue".  'Flex suite'
Separate bedrooms have often been taken as a sign of a failing
relationship, but for many people they appear to be becoming a
practical necessity.   The situation has reportedly become more
acute as gender roles have changed - with both men and women
juggling work and childcare duties.  Families expert, Stephanie
Coontz, told the New York Times there were many couples
"confident enough that they have a nice marriage, but they don't
particularly like sleeping in the same room".  "I don't think it
says anything about