Matthew McConaughey reveals the surprising bedroom secret that strengthened his 13-year marriage, could it change yours?

Matthew McConaughey says downsizing his bed helped bring him closer to his wife, Camila Alves, in their 13-year marriage. In his new book, Poems & Prayers, the Oscar-winning actor shared advice that might surprise some couples: bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your mattress.

“The best thing you can do for your marriage,” McConaughey wrote, “is get rid of that king-size mattress and sleep in a queen-size bed.”

In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 55-year-old actor elaborated on the inspiration behind the advice. “We have kids, and we go to our friend’s house, and he has one of these double king-size beds put together,” he said. “The wife’s on one side with her side table, and the husband’s on the other side. It’s great when you’ve got all three kids, but all of a sudden the kids get too big, they’re out of the bed.”


McConaughey recalled the moment he realized the size of their bed was affecting his connection with Alves. “I wake up one morning … I’m looking over there and Camila’s like a football field away, man,” he said. “Then you go to bed at night, like you want to snuggle up … ‘Well, we’ve got to cover you up. Come about 12 feet and I’ll come 12 feet.’”

The actor concluded that a larger bed might not always be ideal for a marriage. “Get rid of that son of a b***h,” he exclaimed. “So we got a queen size where we’re shoulder to shoulder. I’m telling you, it’s good for your marriage.” The new sleeping arrangement also ensures there’s “no room” for the kids, who are now older: sons Levi, 17, and Livingston, 12, and daughter Vida, 15.

The couple, married since 2012, also shared another key to maintaining a long-term relationship in a 2024 interview. McConaughey explained how they de-escalate arguments: “Go and get something sweet. A sweet food. It can de-escalate some things, even if it’s a nice piece of chocolate or some ice cream.”