The Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Your Pet
Gemma HenryIf you’ve ever been woken up by a paw to the face or a wagging tail in the middle of the night, you’ll know that sharing your bed with a pet is a unique experience. Some people swear by it, while others prefer to keep bedtime strictly human-only.
But is it actually a good idea to let your furry friend snuggle up with you at night? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so that you can make a more informed decision.
Pros of sleeping with your pet
Let’s start things off on a positive note, shall we? Here are the main reasons why so many of us choose to let our pets share our bed at night on a regular basis.
1. It can reduce stress and anxiety
There’s something incredibly comforting about having your pet curled up next to you. Studies suggest that sleeping with pets can lower stress and anxiety levels, thanks to the release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”). Their presence can be reassuring, making it easier to relax and drift off.
2. It strengthens your bond
Sharing your sleeping space can help to build and improve the bond between you and your pet. Dogs and cats are naturally social animals, and sleeping together mimics the closeness they’d experience in a pack or with their littermates. It’s a great way to make them feel safe, loved, and part of the family.
3. Warmth and comfort
Pets are like little (or not-so-little) hot water bottles! On cold nights, snuggling up with a furry friend can keep you warm and cosy without cranking up the heating. Plus, their rhythmic breathing can be incredibly soothing.
4. It might help you sleep better
For some people, the gentle presence of a pet can actually improve sleep quality. Their slow, steady breathing can act like white noise, helping you drift off faster. Plus, knowing your pet is safe and nearby can give you peace of mind.
The cons of sleeping with your pet
As with all things in life, where there are pros, there are bound to be cons.
Our Sleep Expert, Dr Sophie Bostock, advises “Many people sleep with their pets believing that it helps them to relax, feel more secure and to sleep better. Research evidence suggests that people who share their beds with a canine companion or a feline friend take longer to fall asleep, have more disturbed sleep during the night, and are more likely to wake up tired."
Let’s look at some of the reasons you’ll need to really consider whether to let your pet sleep in your bed properly beforehand.
1. It can disturb your sleep
While some pets sleep like angels, others? Not so much. Dogs can be restless, cats tend to prowl at night, and let’s not even talk about those early-morning wake-up calls (hello, 5 AM zoomies). If your pet tosses, turns, snores, or sprawls out like a starfish, you might find yourself losing sleep.
2. Allergies and hygiene considerations
If you have allergies, sleeping with your pet might make things worse. Pet dander, fur, and dust can trigger sneezing, congestion, and even asthma symptoms. And there’s also the issue of dirt, bacteria, and fleas to think about — especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Regular baths, clean bedding, and keeping up with bed hygiene in general can help, but it’s something to keep in mind.
3. It can lead to behavioural issues
For dogs, sharing the bed can reinforce dominant behaviour, making them feel like they’re in charge. If your dog starts guarding the bed or growling when you try to move them, it might be time to set some boundaries (1). Cats, on the other hand, are just naturally entitled — so good luck with keeping them off your bed!
Having issues with your cat sleeping on your bed? Your best chance of keeping them off is to close the bedroom door at all times (2).
4. Less space for you
If you have a small pet, this might not be an issue. But if you’re sharing your bed with a Great Dane, a Labrador, or even multiple pets, suddenly your king-size bed starts to feel like a cramped single. If you wake up hanging off the edge while your pet sprawls comfortably in the middle, you might need to rethink your sleeping arrangements.
Final verdict: should you let your pet sleep in your bed?
It really depends on your lifestyle, your pet’s behaviour, and how well you both sleep together. If you find it comforting and it doesn’t disturb your rest, go for it! But if your sleep is suffering, or if allergies and hygiene are concerns, you might be better off giving your pet their own cosy sleeping space nearby.
At the end of the day, whether it’s in your bed, their own bed, or even on the sofa, the most important thing is that both you and your pet are happy, comfortable, and well-rested.
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Gemma Henry - Content Lead
Gemma finds sleep fascinating and describes the discovery aspect of her role as eye-opening. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough research ensures that Bensons customers get the informative sleep-based advice they're looking for.