Is Sleeping With Pets Harmful to Your Health?

Do you sleep with your pet, and do you think it’s good for you? In this blog I hope to offer you a balanced and helpful view as not only a sleep expert but also someone who has two much-loved pets.

I have a 11-yr old cat called Rani and 5-yr old Mira the dog. Rani has never slept in my bedroom and the door is kept firmly closed. While cats aren’t nocturnal, they are ‘crepuscular’ – meaning they are active at dawn and dusk. She has always hunted and, much as I love her, I’d rather not have to deal with any furry tokens of her devotion at night. Mira the rescue pup is another issue. She arrived from Cyprus 4 years ago and having lived on the street for a year before emigrating to the UK, was pretty traumatised when she arrived at my home. While my intention had been to also keep her out of the bedroom, this never happened. She cried solidly for two nights, and I gave in. She now sleeps in a basket beside my bed but did I make the right decision?

In this article we explore the benefits to your health and wellbeing as well as the risks associated with sleeping with pets.

Who is most likely to sleep with their pet?

Research shows that over 50% of people report sleeping with their pet in their bedroom and nearly 35% of children share their bed with their pet. The data seems to suggest that sleeping with your cat can be more disruptive than sleeping with your dog, so I think I’ve made the right decision by excluding Rani.

The study also revealed that younger people are more likely to sleep with their pets than older individuals, with 53% of Gen Z compared to 36% of Baby Boomers.

Are there benefits of having pets in your bed?

In the past, medical professionals have advised against sleeping with your pets, but more recent research seems to suggest the opposite. Apparently, while there are some downsides, co-sleeping can have positive benefits on your physical and emotional health. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

Emotional security

Comfort and security – your dog can provide a sense of safety and protection. Certain types of dogs may actually be healing for people with mental health problems such as PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) whose sleep might be more fitful and agitated. Apparently labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are renowned for providing such emotional support because they are loyal, intelligent and calm. In a study of war veterans, over half stated that their dog helped to ease their nightmares and bring them better sleep.

Safety and reassurance

Easing loneliness and anxiety – so many of us got dogs during the pandemic, didn’t we? Having a pet and keeping them close by you at night definitely eases symptoms of anxiety and loneliness. They help to calm the nervous system and instil feelings of inner safety. In fact, I write about this in my latest book Finding Inner Safety (Capthorne, 2022).

Improves sleep quality

Receiving unconditional love from your pet stimulates a powerful biochemical response in your body and you produce a hormone called oxytocin. This is the hormone that a mother produces when she gives birth enabling the mother-child connection to deepen. We produce this same hormone when we receive this deep love with our pets and having them beside us at night, calms and soothes and enables us to produce the sleep hormone melatonin, so we sleep more deeply. Studies even show that people with pets are less likely to take sleep medication! Amazing isn’t it?

Apparently, petting your dog can reduce your blood pressure and heart rate so cuddling them at night could be a perfect part of your wind down routine before sleep.

Potential increased immunity

Your immune system might even get stronger as a result of being exposed to the variety of germs your pets may have. This dose of germs could be the perfect counterbalance to our modern-day obsession with cleanliness.

What are the risks of sleeping with pets?

Sleeping pets can be hugely comforting and beneficial for many. However, there are a few risks of sleeping with pets that you may want to consider.

Germs and bacteria

Your pet can trigger allergies, and they can carry germs so it is important to ensure that they have regular trips to the vet and that they’re kept clean and brushed regularly. It’s also important to change your bedclothes regularly and ideally keep your furry friend in a bed or basket beside you and, tempting as it might be, not in your bed, even on those colder winter nights.

Respiratory complications

If you are experiencing allergies such as constant sneezing or even wheezing and asthma it might be helpful to speak to your doctor about medication and, as I do, get an air purifier for your bedroom.

Pet biting or scratching

Some pets may be more likely than others to have ‘sleep startle’, sometimes also known as ‘sleep aggression’ which is what happens if your pet wakes unexpectedly. In these cases, dogs can become frightened if they are suddenly awoken and lash out and bark or even bite. This is something to be aware of if you have a pet that is prone to sleep startle and if you fidget and move your limbs in your sleep.

Overheating

Do you tend to overheat at night? If so, again I suggest keeping your pet in a bed beside you rather than having them in your bed.

Expert advice for sleeping with pets

Deciding on if sleeping with a pet in your bed is a personal decision and will vary between person and pet. Here are just a few things I suggest with my expertise and experience working with people to help them improve their sleep.

Pets in the bedroom, not the bed

You may find that it would be most beneficial to have your s furry friend sleep in a bed or basket beside your bed – rather than directly sharing your bed. Tempting as it may be even on those cold winter nights.

Increase cleaning of bedding and carpets

If your pet is sleeping in your bedroom you are more likely to have a build up of hair and germs in your room. I suggest that you regularly vacuum or clean your floors and change your bedding more regularly.

Open windows or invest in an air filter

An air purifier may be able to help you keep your air clean and fresh. I also recommend opening your windows for at least 30 minutes a day to help introduce some fresh air into the room.

Set boundaries for pets

Your pet can trigger allergies, and they can carry germs so it is important to ensure that they have regular trips to the vet and that they’re kept clean and brushed regularly.

You may also want to set some boundaries such as not having them sleep in your room while you’re not in there. This may help you with any resource or bed guarding they have where they become protective of the space.

5 Signs to stop sharing your bed with pets

For your health and safety, keep an eye out for the 5 signs below that may indicate that it’s time to stop sharing your bed with pets.

Breathing issues or allergies have increased

If you’ve noticed a change in your breathing or if you’re experiencing symptoms of an allergy, consult your doctor right away. This could be an indication that your pet’s fur is causing you issues and could be alleviated by not having them there in the bed with you.

Skin irritations occur

If you are experiencing any redness or itching, this could also show that your skin is struggling with the increased volume of pet hair in your sleep space.

Disturbed sleep affecting well-being

Nighttime disruption can be an issue so it’s a good idea to walk your dog in the evening to minimise this factor. I sleep with a fan in my bedroom, and the settings are adjusted according to the season. This ensures that my doggy’s occasional snuffles and yips during the night, sweet as they might be, don’t disturb me too much. The continuous background noise from the fan acts like a buffer against the noise intrusions.

Signs of aggression from pet(s)

If your pet is struggling with sleep startle or resource guarding with your bed, you may find it beneficial to speak with a pet behaviourist. Additionally, for your safety and your pet’s stress levels it may be best to set a boundary and have them sleeping outside of the bedroom.

Other relationships are being affected

If your partner is struggling with any of the above, or if they’re not enthusiastic about having a pet in your sleep space, you may need to consider your pets sleeping habits. Some people may have concerns about their relationship and intimacy if there is now a pet permanently sleeping in that private space. I would recommend an open and honest conversation. Whilst we love our pet friends and they are like family, it’s important to consider our human companions with the same love and respect.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has been able to help address some of your concerns around if sleeping with pets harmful to your health. Ultimately, if you don’t suffer with any allergies or other health conditions and if your pet is easy going, it is not harmful for your health. Ultimately, it will be different for every person and pet depending on your nature and sensitivities. If you do consider making any changes to your sleep schedule and have concerns about your health, please do consult your doctor.