Many households welcome pets, especially cats and dogs, and these companions often hold a special place in daily life. In fact, some owners even share their bed with these animals, treating them as true members of the family. In a discussion with Infosalus, Dr. Enriqueta Gómez Siurana, who coordinates the Movement and Behavioral Disorders group during sleep, offered insights on this topic.
The presence of a pet at night can influence sleep patterns. Experts note that co-sleeping may affect how easily a person falls asleep and how soundly they rest. It can be tempting for insomniacs to rely on a pet as a night companion, but researchers caution that this arrangement may complicate sleep for some individuals. As a result, many sleep specialists advise keeping pets out of the bedroom when sleep quality is a primary concern. Dr. Gómez emphasizes that removing the pet from the sleeping area can help establish a consistent bedtime routine and a regular wake time, which can be beneficial for a smoother night and a more predictable morning.
However, the guidance is not one-size-fits-all. For people with certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or various parasomnias, sharing a room or bed with an animal may worsen symptoms. Because of these potential risks, some sleep clinics consider pet-sleep boundaries as part of standard sleep hygiene, advising people to avoid sharing space with animals during rest when possible.
The key reasons for this recommendation are practical considerations related to sleep: sounds, movements, and odors from pets can disrupt the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Research on the effects of sleeping with a pet is limited, but available studies suggest mixed outcomes. Some findings indicate that individuals who share a room or bed with a pet might experience more time awake during the night. Nevertheless, many owners report emotional benefits from this arrangement, including comfort, companionship, and a sense of security, which can help with stress and anxiety in the right circumstances.
There are also practical drawbacks. Pets can become sources of allergy or asthma triggers, and there is a theoretical risk of disease transmission. A 2014 Australian study cited by Dr. Gómez suggested that sleeping with dogs might increase sleep disturbance in healthy adults, though the study did not distinguish between different nocturnal pet sounds or dog breeds. In some cases, the animal’s behavior can change when sharing a sleeping space, potentially leading to defiance or disruptive habits that affect nighttime routines.
Additionally, when other animals in the home are not allowed to sleep in the bedroom, competition or aggression can arise between pets. Conversely, allowing a dog to share the bedroom can help prevent certain undesirable behaviors, such as accidents in the bed, by establishing clear boundaries. It is also important to consider the couple’s relationship, as sleeping with a pet can influence intimacy and privacy in a shared living space. These considerations highlight why some households choose separate sleeping arrangements while others find that the companionship of a pet enhances their overall well-being even during the night.