Should You Allow Pets to Sleep with You? What's the Expert Consensus?

Many pet owners enjoy having their furry friends sleep beside them, but is this habit beneficial or disruptive to sleep quality? While sharing a bed with pets can provide comfort and emotional support, research indicates that it may also interfere with restful sleep.

Experts note that pets, like dogs and cats, have natural sleep habits that differ from humans. Dogs tend to be light sleepers, waking frequently, and may engage in behaviors such as scratching or restless movements that can disturb their owners. Cats, being crepuscular animals, are often most active during dawn and dusk, sometimes resulting in sudden zoomies that interrupt sleep.

Furthermore, allergens like pet dander and microbes introduced into the sleeping environment can cause breathing issues, adversely affecting deep sleep stages. Sleep researchers have found associations between co-sleeping with pets and increased sleep disruptions, including poor sleep quality and insomnia symptoms. Interestingly, the number of pets correlates with higher levels of sleep disturbance.

Despite these findings, many pet owners perceive significant emotional and psychological benefits from sleeping with their pets. For some, the companionship and comfort outweigh any potential sleep issues. Dr. Melissa Milanak from the Medical University of South Carolina emphasizes that altering sleep routines can be challenging, as pets often become integrated into daily habits.

Practical solutions for those experiencing sleep disruptions include placing pets on a designated bed on the floor or keeping them out of the bedroom entirely. For pet lovers committed to sleeping with their animals, maintaining frequent bedding hygiene and adjusting sleep schedules to match pet routines—such as going to bed earlier—may help.

Ultimately, whether to sleep with pets depends on individual preference and how much sleep quality is impacted. Many find that the emotional bonds and comfort outweigh fleeting disturbances, and that maintaining a flexible approach can make co-sleeping a positive experience.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-pets-experts.html