If you sleep with your pet, you have plenty of company. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that about half of respondents (46%) do exactly that. But is it good for you? It depends on who you ask (and your sleeping habits).
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There are risks to sleeping with your pet. Veterinarians caution that our furry friends may be dirty – even if they don’t visibly appear to be – and they could bring germs, harmful bacteria and even parasites into your sleep environment.
For others, interruptions from their pet disrupt their sleep cycle. A study from the Nature and Science of Sleep journal in 2017 found that interrupted sleep includes short-term consequences like added stress, reduced quality of life, and memory issues, while also bringing about long-term effects like hypertension and heart disease.
What about the flip side? There must be benefits to sleeping with your pet, yes? Indeed, there are. There are reasons so many people do it (and admit to it).
1 | A sense of comfort and security
topless man lying on bed beside brown and white short coated dogPhoto by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash
Dogs in particular can provide an added sense of safety and protection, according to the Sleep Foundation. That’s especially true for service dogs that provide emotional support for those suffering from PTSD; they can even take action to calm an individual who is experiencing a nightmare.
3 | More likely to establish a good routine
gray tabby cat on gray surfacePhoto by Mikhail Vasilyev on Unsplash
Pets love a good routine, and if waking up early isn’t your thing, sleeping with your pet may help to jumpstart your day, according to AARP. They can nudge you in a friendly way and keep you moving along.
4 | Less stress and anxiety
person in black shirt lying on bedPhoto by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Less stress and less anxiety were cited in one study as the top reasons pet owners allow their pet to sleep with them. This builds on new research (2025) published in Social Indicators Researchthat found pets lead to greater life satisfaction than initially thought, thanks in part to their “calming presence.”
5 | Better sleep quality
woman and black French bulldog sleeping on sofaPhoto by Rafal Jedrzejek on Unsplash
While this one is debatable, due to the potential for interruptions, many people who sleep with their pets report better sleep cycles. The Better Sleep Council notes that this is likely due to the soothing effect animals have – they may have the power to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, which makes us feel more content and relaxed, leading to “deeper, more restful sleep.”
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.