Sleeping with Pets: Benefits and Drawbacks

While the idea of sleeping with pets can feel comfortable and cozy, it’s important to recognize that the reality of letting your pets sleep in your bed has both benefits and drawbacks. Now, when we’re talking about sleeping with pets, we’re mainly referring to housebroken pets like dogs and cats. If you want to sleep with your pet snake or chinchilla… that’s another conversation. 

As members of your family, your furry friends are more than welcome to stay in your bed with you; however, sleeping with dogs and cats can negatively impact your sleep quality — and bad sleep will not make you feel warm and fuzzy. 

What are the pros and cons of having your dog sleep with you? If you’re still deciding if Fluffy and Spot should share your bed with you, here are the pros and cons of sleeping with your dog or cat.

Pros of sleeping with pets

Do pets help you sleep better? In some cases, they can make falling asleep a simpler task. Here are some of the benefits of sleeping with pets in your bed:

1. Emotional comfort

Many pet owners adopt a furry friend because they want a companion that helps them feel less alone. Dogs and cats can provide emotional comfort and affection, which releases endorphins like oxytocin in our brains to help us stay calm and happier. Studies have shown that snuggling with a pet you love lowers your blood pressure and calms your mind. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress — which makes it difficult to fall asleep — sleeping alongside your pet can help you to relax and fall asleep faster. 

2. Bonding

Our beds are our safe places where we go to relax, unwind, and be comfortable. Sharing your bed with your pet can deepen the bond you and your pet share. Because many pets enjoy being close to their humans, especially dogs, this time together can reinforce trust and affection. This emotional connection can help some individuals feel safer and more relaxed at night, leading to a more peaceful sleep. Also, if you tend to get cold at night, dogs and cats typically radiate a good amount of body heat, keeping you cozy all night long.

3. Security

Sleeping next to someone you love has many benefits for your sleep and your well-being. However, for single individuals or those who may live alone, a pet’s presence in bed can help them feel more secure and safe as they fall asleep. For those who struggle with conditions that make sleeping difficult, an emotional support pet can bring a sense of comfort that makes sleeping easier for the individual. 

4. Increased immune system and overall wellness

It’s no secret that having a pet, especially a dog, keeps you active. If you own a dog, you likely spend more time outside taking them on walks, playing with them, and training them. Because of this activity, dogs have been proven to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure, making falling asleep easier. Many sources also document that dogs and cats change the makeup of bacteria that is found in our homes — and researchers hypothesize that being exposed to different types of bacteria can strengthen your immune system over time. 

Sharing a bed with your pet can increase your emotional wellness and make it easier to fall asleep. However, there are many drawbacks to sleeping with a pet in your bed that may outweigh the benefits. 

Cons of sleeping with pets

Should I let my dog sleep with me? Making the decision to let your animal into your bed every night is one that you should not rush. While there can be some nice benefits to sleeping with pets, it can have negative impacts on your sleep quality. Here are some reasons why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you.

1. Allergies and germ exposure

If you suffer from allergies, sleeping with pets is a huge no-no. In short, a bed with pet fur covering it will cause allergy flare-ups. Pets naturally shed dander, which is a combination of dead skin cells and hair, substances that are also incredibly common allergies. When your pet sleeps in your bed, this dander can accumulate in your bedding, pillows, and mattress, causing allergy flare-ups such as sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. If you don’t want to ruin your sleep quality with late-night sneezing and difficulty breathing, it’s better to keep Spot and Fluffy out of your bedroom for the night.

One way to avoid allergy flare-ups in general is to invest in a mattress protector. Do you need a mattress protector? Absolutely! A mattress protector shields your bed from wear and tear, extending its lifespan while keeping your sleep environment clean and comfortable. If you absolutely MUST have your pet sleep in your bed, the least you can do is protect you and your mattress from dander, dust, bed bugs, and other hazards.

Keep reading: Best mattress for allergies

2. Sleep disturbances

Picture this: you and Spot are snuggling soundly, fast asleep, when suddenly you feel a kick. Spot rolls over, and his paws hit you in the face. He decides to take up the entire bed and pulls off your blankets — and he snores like a chainsaw. You wake up in the middle of the night multiple times because your pet cannot lay still or keep quiet, causing you to get less sleep. 

Sleeping with pets in your bed can cause sleep disturbances that leave you feeling unrested, groggy, and with aches and pains. Your sleep quality shouldn’t suffer for a mere few hours of cuddling.

3. Hygiene concerns

Truthfully, pets are gross sometimes. Dogs and cats spend time outdoors or in environments where they may come into contact with bacteria, parasites, or dirt. Imagine what kinds of contaminants they bring with them when they hop into your bed! Fleas, ticks, and other parasites, along with dirt and dust, can compromise the cleanliness of your bed, which could lead to health concerns for both you and your pet.

Even if your pet and sleep environment stay clean, there’s still a risk that you and your pet can make your bed an unhygienic place to be. Remember how we mentioned earlier that pets naturally radiate a lot of body heat? If you’re a hot sleeper already, sleeping with a pet will only exacerbate the problem, leaving you a sweaty mess. Sweat and other fluids, such as drool from your pet’s mouth, can seep into the mattress and damage it — and this will only get worse if you don’t own a mattress protector.

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4. Space and comfort issues

Co-sleeping with a pet can become a burden to your comfort while you sleep. Pets can take up a significant amount of space on your bed, especially larger dogs. They may sprawl out, leaving little room for you to move around comfortably. Additionally, some pets like to sleep pressed up against their owners, which can make it difficult to shift positions or maintain a comfortable sleeping posture throughout the night. 

Poor sleep posture (or sleeping with your spine out of alignment) can result in aches and pains that affect your sleep quality. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t sleep well. If you’re someone who needs extra space to stretch out or moves a lot in their sleep, sharing your bed with a pet could become more of a burden than a benefit. 

Keep reading: Best mattress for co-sleeping 

Tips for sleeping with dogs and cats

If after reading the risks you are still determined to snuggle with your fur child, here are some ways to make sleeping with pets easier.

• Get a mattress protector. If there is one thing that you take away from this blog, let it be that you need a mattress protector. This will shield your mattress from dander, pet fur, and other hazards to keep your bed clean and durable. 
• Invest in a larger bed. Getting a king-sized bed or larger can help ensure enough room for you, a partner, and your pet to have space while sleeping. Note that this doesn’t always fix the issue, but it’s a good start.
• Look into cooling technology. Cooling mattresses are a great way to keep hot sleepers comfortable throughout the night, especially if your pet is warm like a furnace. 
• Provide your pet with their own bed in the bedroom. This way, they can still be close to you without sharing your personal sleeping space.
• Designate a specific sleeping spot for your pet on the bed. Giving them a specific spot on the bed can reduce their chances of disturbing your sleep.

If you want your mattress to last as long as possible, it’s important to invest in a mattress that will suit your needs. We have the best mattress store Houston has to offer with great prices, great products, and great deals for you to take advantage of.

Expert Tip: If you want to protect your living space from pet fur and dirt, try adding performance fabrics like Crypton to your upholstery furniture! Your sofas, sectionals, chaises, and chairs can be a comfortable place for both you and your pet to lounge. Our sister company Living Designs Furniture allows you to upgrade your furniture fabric for less. 

Mattresses that Every Family Member Will Love

While the idea of sleeping with pets can bring comfort, security, and relaxation, it’s important to recognize the potential drawbacks. From sleep disturbances and allergy flare-ups to hygiene concerns, sharing your bed with pets can impact your sleep quality and health. Your quality of rest should be your top priority. 

However, with the right precautions — such as investing in the right mattress for you and a good-quality mattress protector — you can enjoy the benefits of having your furry friend in bed while getting the quality sleep you need. 

Ready to find your perfect mattress? Visit any of our Houston mattress stores to browse our top-quality mattresses, cooling technology, and mattress protectors. We can also make your pet their own custom bed! The possibilities are endless at Texas Mattress Makers, Houston’s best mattress store.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• 5 Reasons Why You’re Waking Up Tired
• Signs You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep
• How to Find a Good Quality Mattress
• Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
• Do I Need a Foundation for My Mattress?