why is you had gone to bed vous étiez couchés when it is reflexive?

Question

because it is reflexive should it not be vous étiez vous couchés?

Accepted Answer

Hi Jacqui,
The verb in 'Vous étiez couchés.' is not reflexive  but the verb coucher in the passive voice: 'Etre couché' = to be in bed.
You can 'coucher un bébé' (put a baby to bed) - active voice  
It is the same for 'être allongé' (to be lying down),
 'être debout' (to be up/ standing up),
'être assis' ( to be sat) etc....which all describe a state of being.
I believe it is the same in English ?
If you say 'vous vous êtes couchés' (you went to bed) you will use the reflexive 'se coucher' for the action of going to bed.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Hi Jacqui,
it should be vous vous étiez couchés. 
Subject + reflexive pronoun + form of être + participle. 
-- Chris (not a native speaker).