With tips for compatible sleeping with your furry companion
If you’re a pet lover, then you know all the benefits of sharing your life with an animal companion. So it stands to reason that having them in your bed at night is an extension of the wonderful relationship you share. Sleeping with pets can be a comforting and bonding experience, but there are potential downsides. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros of Sleeping with Pets
✅ Comfort and Emotional Support – The comfort and companionship pets provide don’t end when the sun goes down. Sleeping with pets can reduce stress and anxiety, and may even help with loneliness or depression.
✅ Better Sleep for Some People – Some studies suggest that people, especially those with anxiety or PTSD, find a pet’s rhythmic breathing soothing and sleep more soundly with them nearby.
✅ Warmth in Cold Weather – For anyone who sleeps cold, they may appreciate the warmth of their pets. Pets, especially larger dogs or fluffy cats, act as natural heaters, making cold nights cozier.
✅ Bonding and Strengthened Connection – Sharing a bed reinforces the human-animal bond, which can enhance feelings of love and trust between you and your pet.
✅ Sense of Security – Some people feel safer having a pet nearby, especially dogs that can alert them to unusual sounds or movements.
Cons of Sleeping with Pets
❌ Disrupted Sleep – Pets may move around, snore, scratch, or wake up during the night, leading to interrupted sleep. Cats, in particular, tend to be nocturnal and may wake you up at odd hours. If your dog is a natural guardian, it may bark at unnecessary nighttime noises.
❌ Sleeping Hot – If you’re already a hot sleeper, having extra furry bodies in the bed can exacerbate the night sweats.
❌ Allergies and Asthma Risks – Many folks with pet allergies decide to live with pets anyway, feeling that the benefits outweigh the costs. However, if you have allergies, sleeping with pets can exacerbate symptoms due to fur, dander, and dust mites.
❌ Hygiene Issues – Pets can bring dirt, pollen, or even fleas into your bed. Indoor/outdoor pets may track in germs and bacteria. If you’re a cat lover, two words for you: Litter. Box. Folks who toilet train their cats may be on to something.
❌ Space and Comfort Issues – Larger dogs or multiple pets can take up significant space, leading to discomfort or awkward sleeping positions. Cats are particularly notorious for their creative sleep positions—around your head, for example.
❌ Reinforcing Bad Habits – Some trainers warn that allowing pets in the bed can encourage dominance behaviors in dogs or make it difficult to establish boundaries later.
Pro Tips for Sleeping with Pets
Luckily, if this is a treasured ritual for you and your fur family, there are some steps to mitigate any potential drawbacks.
- Use a Washable Pet Blanket – Placing a designated blanket on the bed can help contain fur and dirt.
- Fresh Sheets – You’ll need to wash bedding more frequently to keep it clean, but that’s a bonus for human guardians too. Here’s where a removable duvet cover will do wonders to simplify the process.
- Regular Grooming – Bathing and brushing your pet frequently reduces allergens and shedding, and prevents dirt from ending up in your bed.
- Set Boundaries – If your pet disrupts your sleep, consider training them to sleep at the foot of the bed or in their own space nearby. Check out our EcoWool® Pet Bed—pets love it!
- Evaluate Your Sleep Quality – If you wake up frequently or feel tired, it might be worth reassessing whether co-sleeping with your pet is right for you.
The Best Night’s Sleep, With or Without Pets
We hope this has been helpful, whichever way you decide to go. Sleep is such an important component of our health, that we’re sure your pets will understand and appreciate a happier guardian, even if they can’t snuggle up all night. And if having your pet in bed with you is a blissful, happy arrangement—huzzah!
If you’re looking for more helpful healthy sleep content, be sure to check out these Counting Sheep blog posts too:
- Why Do I Sleep So Hot?
- Creating the Ultimate Sleep Routine
- Breathing Easier with All-Natural Bedding
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Thanks for stopping by and until next time, sweet dreams!
