It’s hard to resist the urge to sleep with your pet. Known to be a real source of comfort, they can be a way to improve mental and cognitive health according to numerous studies. It is therefore no coincidence that a 2027 study showed that one in two people was used to sleeping with their four-legged companion.
Doctors warn of certain risks you run when sharing a bed with your pet. They also remind you of the benefits they can provide you.
A pet can improve your sleep…
Terry Cralle, MS, RN, certified clinical sleep educator and representative of the Better Sleep Council, tells our American colleagues that Real Simplethat most pet owners view their animals as members of their family.
It’s a good thing: Scientist points out that a beloved pet can establish a positive emotional bond and reduce stress and anxiety levels, thus promoting sleep. “ Some people may view their pet as an additional, reliable level of security to alert them to unexpected noises or lights », Adds Audrey Wells, MD, certified sleep medicine physician and founder of Super Sleep MD.
Pets are also sensitive to routine and can therefore help enforce a regular bedtime and improve sleep quality of their owner. We know that it is important to go to bed at regular times to have good, sufficiently restorative sleep.
A study published in 2017 and conducted by the Mayo Clinic also reveals that we tend to sleep better – and more deeply – when we fall asleep with our dog.
…Or not (if you are a light sleeper or have asthma)
Be careful, the presence of your companion in your bed can also be harmful. It depends on the patients. If you have light sleep and your dog moves a lot at night, sleeping with your pet can be harmful to your sleep. However, sacrificing your sleep also means sacrificing your health, your well-being and your quality of life. And it’s not a sacrifice to make, neither for your dog nor for anyone.
If you suffer from asthma or allergies, sleeping with a pet is also not a good choice. “ No dog is truly hypoallergenic, as it is their dander or skin cells (not their hair) that are responsible for triggering an allergic response », Share the experts. If you want to continue sharing your bed with your pet, it is recommended to give them frequent baths and care, and to use allergen covers for the pillows and mattress.
We reassure you if you like to sleep next to your furry friend: you can always opt for a dog bed next to the bed. It is good compromise !
