Should You Let Your Pet Sleep in the Bed With You?

Many pet owners, especially those who are passionate about animals, often welcome their pets into their beds without much hesitation. Research indicates that approximately half of dog owners in the United States choose to sleep alongside their furry companions. Terry Cralle, MS, RN, a certified clinical sleep educator and representative of the Better Sleep Council, explains that for most pet owners, their pets are regarded as integral members of the family. Therefore, they prioritize their pets’ comfort and happiness, even when it comes to bedtime arrangements.

However, as sleep health gains increasing attention (with one in three Americans reporting inadequate sleep), more people are reevaluating the practice of allowing their pets to share their beds. This matter has become a point of “soft controversy” among pet owners.

Given this debate, it raises the question of whether it’s advisable to continue sharing your bed with your pet, despite acknowledging that it might impact your sleep negatively. Alternatively, should you establish a separate sleeping spot for your pet? To shed light on this issue, we sought insights from three experts who can provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of this nighttime habit.

The Pros of Sharing the Bed With Pets

Allowing your beloved pet to share your bed each night can be attributed to a multitude of positive factors, primarily centered around improved mental well-being, comfort, and companionship. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and the founder of Super Sleep MD, pets play a crucial role in establishing emotional connections, reducing stress and anxiety, and ultimately promoting better sleep. Many individuals view their pets as a source of added security, relying on their alertness to unexpected noises or lights as an extra layer of protection.

For those who tend to feel cold, having a pet sleep alongside them can provide warmth and comfort. Terry Cralle emphasizes that this phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “three dog nights,” especially during frigid winter evenings.

Furthermore, incorporating your pet into your nightly routine can contribute to enhanced sleep quality. Dr. Wells points out that pets thrive on routine, helping to establish regular bedtime patterns and potentially leading to better sleep quality for their owners. Similarly, pets can serve as natural alarms, signaling wake-up times in the morning and encouraging outdoor activities like walks and exposure to daylight.

If you prefer having your pet share your bed and find it beneficial for your sleep, scientific evidence supports this choice. Amanda Farah, the National Training and Behavior Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, notes that some studies suggest people experience better and more restful sleep when their dogs sleep in close proximity.

In essence, a good night’s sleep enjoyed alongside your canine companion can lead to numerous health benefits, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and a bolstered immune system.

The Cons of Sharing the Bed With Pets

The decision to allow your pet to share your bed comes with several considerations that can affect sleep quality. You should assess whether your pet’s presence disrupts your sleep, whether they frequently change positions or have noisy collar tags, and whether you let them sleep with you to avoid whining at your bedroom door. According to Terry Cralle, if any aspects of having your pet in bed compromise your sleep, it’s best to reconsider the arrangement. For instance, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog moves around frequently, sharing your bed may lead to more awakenings and less restful sleep. Adjusting to your pet’s position changes can also disrupt your preferred sleeping posture, further impacting sleep quality.

Dr. Audrey Wells emphasizes that the decision to co-sleep with your pet varies based on the individual pet-owner combination. However, if you rely on sleep aids like melatonin or prescription medications for sound sleep, you might need to rethink the arrangement. Dr. Wells advises against prescribing or endorsing sleep medication for individuals whose sleep is disrupted by their pet, as this may not address the root issue. Pets can potentially exacerbate insomnia, cause temperature discomfort, or increase the risk of falls during nighttime movements.

Another consideration is hygiene and allergens, which may affect co-sleepers with allergies or sensitivities. Sharing a bed with a pet can result in poor sleep for asthma or allergy sufferers due to pet dander, shed skin cells, and allergens. Dr. Wells recommends frequent baths and grooming for pets sharing a bed and using allergen covers for pillows and mattresses.

Additionally, there are concerns related to the transmission of pathogens and diseases (zoonotic diseases) between pets and humans when co-sleeping. Bed-sharing can increase the exposure rate to potential pathogens, particularly for small children, elderly adults, pregnant individuals, or those with compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to infections. In addition, pets can unintentionally introduce fleas and ticks into the bed, underscoring the importance of using parasite preventatives for dogs that co-sleep and maintaining a higher level of bedding hygiene, as suggested by Terry Cralle.

What’s the Best Compromise?

If you’ve reconsidered co-sleeping with your pet due to the potential downsides, there are alternative sleeping arrangements that allow you to keep your pet close while ensuring a good night’s sleep. Amanda Farah suggests placing a crate or dog bed next to your own bed as a nice compromise. Terry Cralle agrees and suggests trying room-sharing instead of bed-sharing if you prefer sleeping with your pet.

Dr. Audrey Wells emphasizes that this alternative sleeping arrangement can also benefit certain dogs. For example, some pets may experience physical discomfort or health issues from repeatedly jumping on and off the bed. Providing them with a designated sleeping area on the floor can be a more comfortable and practical solution.

It’s essential to prioritize both your sleep quality and your pet’s comfort. If at any point sleeping with your pet becomes less enjoyable for either of you, or if you notice behavior problems arising around the bed, it’s perfectly acceptable to make a change. Dogs are adaptable and can adjust to new routines, so transitioning to a different sleeping arrangement won’t pose a problem for them.

The Bottom Line

As a pet owner, the decision of whether to allow your pet to sleep in your bed ultimately comes down to your individual circumstances, preferences, and your pet’s behavior. Amanda Farah emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and it’s essential to do what feels right for you and your dog. If you’re comfortable with the occasional presence of pet hair and don’t experience any behavior issues related to bed-sharing, it’s your choice to continue co-sleeping with your pet.

Dr. Audrey Wells advises that being a well-rested pet owner allows you to be the best caregiver for your furry friend, emphasizing the importance of striking a healthy balance in your sleeping arrangements.

Terry Cralle highlights the paramount importance of prioritizing your own sleep quality and quantity, emphasizing that sleep is the foundation of a healthy and happy life. If co-sleeping is compromising your sleep, it’s crucial to create a comfortable sleeping spot for your pet in the bedroom while ensuring you get the rest you need.

In the end, the decision to co-sleep with your pet or not is a personal one. If you cherish the companionship and affection of your pet during the night and it doesn’t affect your sleep negatively, then continuing to share your bed with your furry friend is perfectly fine. However, if co-sleeping is causing sleep disturbances that impact your daily life, consider creating a cozy sleeping area for your pet in the same room to strike a balance between companionship and quality sleep.