Pets in Bed: Pros and Cons for Sleep Quality and Health

It's well documented pets can improve health and wellness. But what about when it comes to bedtime? Many people see their pets as family. It can pull on the heartstrings to close the bedroom door and leave Fido or Fluffy outside.

Although the thought of snuggling with your pet may be appealing, it's important to consider your sleep health and overall wellbeing before deciding to share the blankets. This article covers the pros and cons of letting your pet sleep with you so you can make a fully informed decision. Spoiler alert: Everyone, human and animal, would likely sleep better in their own private space.

Should I Let My Pet Sleep in My Bed?

Whether you allow your pet to share your bed is largely a matter of personal preference. Of course, you should take a partner's wishes into account. Sleeping with your pet comes with several benefits and risks. It's also likely, no matter how attuned you think you are, you and your pet have different sleep cycles, patterns and needs.

What Are the Benefits of Allowing Your Pet in Your Bed?

For some people, the pros of sleeping with their pet outweigh negative effects, such as reduced sleep quality and potential health issues. You should balance the plusses and negatives to decide what's right for you and your furry companion.

Comfort and Companionship

Sleeping with your pet can increase feelings of comfort and companionship, especially if you live alone or are prone to loneliness. Knowing you have an animal friend at your side can enhance peace and happiness. Older people, in particular, may take great comfort from letting their pet curl up with them. As with partners and children, sharing a bed with your pet can enhance the bond and emotional connection you share.

Additionally, pets can help relieve stress. Whatever the cause, stress can be detrimental to sleep. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep and get good quality, restorative sleep. Although many factors contribute to overall sleep hygiene, reducing stress is vital. Having a pet with you in bed can reduce stress, create a sense of security and aid relaxation, all of which are essential for good sleep. [1] The sound of a cat purring or a dog gently snoring may be soothing when you're trying to nod off.

Safety and Security

For some people, sleeping with a pet can enhance safety and security. For example, people with service dogs or medical alert dogs may need them always close. [2] However, these situations are often different to simply choosing to cuddle up with your pet. Working animals are typically better trained to respect their owner's schedules, sleep in a designated spot and not cause a disturbance unless necessary.

Routine

Many pets are creatures of habit and have routines. Often, pets will show they're ready to go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day. Perhaps your dog paces the room and paws at the door to show they're ready for sleep. Maybe your cat's morning cries for breakfast are as reliable as an alarm clock. Pet sleep routines can encourage their owners to maintain routines in their sleep schedule. [3] This is an important factor in getting good quality sleep.

What Are the Risks of Allowing Your Pet in Your Bed?

Sleep Disturbances

Humans and animals have different sleep cycles. For people, each sleep cycle usually lasts for about 90 minutes, including different stages of sleep. [4] [5]

Dogs usually have shorter sleep cycles and spend longer periods in REM sleep, which is associated with increased brain activity and dreaming. A study found dogs sleep for an average of 16 minutes, wake for five minutes, then repeat the same sleep-wake pattern. [6]

When it comes to cat sleep cycles, felines spend an average of 26 minutes awake per sleep-wake cycle. [7] Cats also don't usually sleep in one solid block like their human friends; cats sleep at any time day or night.

These differences in sleep cycles can disrupt your rest. Pets may become alert and active during their awake periods, which likely coincide with times you're trying to sleep. Being woken up by a playful or snoring pet, animal bathroom trips and other reasons results in broken sleep, which can greatly decrease sleep quality.

Allergies and Asthma

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, sleeping with a pet can trigger symptoms, worsen your health and disturb your overall sleep experience. Aside from sneezing and itching being disruptive to sleep, allergies can inflame the airways, cause respiratory problems and lead to congestion. This can cause discomfort, hinder sleep and lead to sleep disordered breathing.

You may consider taking medications to mitigate the effects of letting your pet sleep with you. However, there may be a connection between allergy drugs and restless legs syndrome, which is also disruptive to quality sleep.

Blankets, pillows and mattresses can trap pet dander and other allergens, making it impossible to avoid. If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, keeping your pet in anther room is recommended for overall health and wellness.

Parasites and Infections

Sharing a bed with pets increases the risk of picking up an infection or parasite. Studies show an increased risk of acquiring zoonotic diseases through sleeping with your pet. [8] It also increases the health risks for your beloved pet.

Dogs and cats can pass a range of bacterial and viral infections to their owners. Some people are more at risk than others. For example, pregnant women should be cautious about sleeping with cats because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. [9] Parasites can spread while you're sleeping, including intestinal worms, fleas and ticks.

What Are Some Tips for Mitigating the Risks?

If you let your pet sleep with you, there are several ways to minimize risks to your overall and sleep health. These include:

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene
Setting boundaries about where your pet can sleep on the bed
Giving your pet their own bed in the same room
Ensuring your pet has access to water to prevent disturbances
Removing pet toys from the room
Establishing healthy sleep routines
Reassessing your choice if you notice any detrimental effects

Ultimately, choosing whether to let your pet sleep in your bed is a personal decision. Although there can be benefits, for many people, the cons outweigh the positives. It's important to consider your sleep needs, health conditions, sleep habits and the pet's needs.