Wondering if sharing your bed with your dog helps or harms your sleep? Explore the latest research, expert perspectives, and actionable tips on co-sleeping with pets — and how it truly affects your rest.
Pets in the Bed: A Comfort or a Disruption?
More than ever, our pets are part of the family — and for nearly half of Americans (46%), that means sharing a bed at night. From dogs curled around your feet to cats nestled on your chest, co-sleeping with furry friends is common across age groups. But does this bedtime bonding improve or disrupt your sleep?
Interestingly, the answer isn’t so clear-cut. While 19% of people report worse sleep due to pets in bed, nearly the same number — 46% — actually say they sleep better when their pet is close. Whether it’s due to emotional security, warmth, or companionship, pets may offer more benefits than drawbacks.
Younger generations are especially fond of this arrangement: 53% of Gen Z say they sleep with their pet, compared to 36% of Baby Boomers. This trend may reflect evolving cultural norms around pets as emotional support and lifestyle companions.
What Sleep Specialists Say
Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep physician with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), explains:
“Healthy sleep looks different from person to person. If a pet helps you feel calm and secure, it may improve your ability to fall and stay asleep.”
But there’s a flip side. If your pet snores, shifts constantly, or kicks during the night, you may wake up feeling groggy or unrested. That doesn’t mean you have to banish your beloved pet — just that small changes to your sleep routine might help.
Pet-Friendly Sleep Tips That Actually Work
If co-sleeping with your dog or cat affects your sleep, try these simple but effective strategies:
- Create a Pet Bed Nearby: Set up a cozy sleeping area right next to your bed. This keeps your pet close without crowding your space.
- Set a Shared Schedule: Align your bedtime and wake-up time with your pet’s feeding and bathroom routine.
- Limit Night Disruptions: Avoid high-energy playtime, feeding, or screen exposure before bedtime — for both you and your pet.
- Use Calming Tools: Soft music, white noise, or lavender pet sprays may help anxious animals settle more easily.
- Invest in Bedding: Consider waterproof mattress covers or pet-proof blankets if your furry friend sleeps with you occasionally.
The goal is a peaceful, sleep-supportive environment for everyone — human or animal.
Sleep Disorders and Pets: Knowing the Difference
Sometimes it’s not your pet that’s disrupting sleep — but a hidden sleep disorder.
Insomnia vs. Narcolepsy
- Insomnia involves trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early without feeling refreshed. Often stress-related, insomnia may worsen with irregular sleep environments or nightly disturbances — including pets.
- Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks during the day, despite a full night of rest. It’s often accompanied by symptoms like cataplexy (muscle weakness), hallucinations, or sleep paralysis.
If you struggle with extreme daytime fatigue, frequent waking, or feel unrefreshed after sleep — even without a pet — it may be time to consult a sleep specialist.
How Does This Affect Sleep Quality?
Studies show that pets can both help and hinder sleep, depending on the individual. A calm, well-trained animal who doesn’t move much during the night may enhance your sleep experience. But pets that fidget, snore, or require frequent bathroom trips may increase nighttime awakenings and reduce deep sleep stages.
Sleep trackers and surveys suggest the quality of co-sleeping is more important than simply whether or not your pet is present. The key lies in establishing boundaries and assessing how rested you feel upon waking.
Should You Sleep With Your Pet?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is how you feel after a night of sleep. If you wake up refreshed and energized, and your pet sleeps peacefully beside you, there’s little reason to stop.
However, if you experience repeated awakenings, stiffness from contorting around your pet, or reduced sleep quality, a few adjustments might make a big difference — like giving your pet their own sleeping space close by.
Conclusion
Sharing a bed with your pet can be heartwarming — and for many, it’s part of a nighttime ritual that enhances comfort and connection. While research shows mixed results, most people report neutral or positive effects on sleep from having their pet nearby.
Ultimately, healthy sleep depends on routine, environment, and personal comfort. Whether your dog is a blanket hog or a gentle foot warmer, prioritize sleep hygiene practices that ensure both of you get the rest you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sleeping with my pet improve sleep?
For many, yes. Nearly 46% of people say they sleep better with their pet nearby. The key is minimizing disturbances through good routines and sleep hygiene.
What if my pet disrupts my sleep?
Try setting up a pet bed nearby and sticking to a shared bedtime schedule. If disruptions continue, consult a sleep expert for personalized solutions.
