10 Ways Your Pet Can Help You Sleep Better

Pets can be a huge source of comfort — but is it a good idea to share your bed with them?

Well, it depends. In most cases, it’s perfectly fine and can even help you sleep better. The presence of pets in bed largely depends on the owner’s lifestyle and how well behaved their animal is. There are, however, many benefits of dogs sleeping in your bed, as well as numerous benefits of sleeping with your cat.

Benefits Of Dogs Sleeping In Your Bed

A large chunk of the population spends their nights cuddled up with their dog in bed. In fact, up to 42% of all dog owners allow their pups to sleep with them at night. So, what are the benefits?

1. Promotes a healthier sleep schedule. Studies have found women who sleep next to their dog go to bed earlier, sleep better and wake up earlier.
2. The feeling of comfort and security. Sleeping next to an animal you love — especially if it’s large and protective by nature — can help you rest easier at night.
3. Less separation anxiety.If you’re gone for work or school during the day, allowing your pet time to snuggle up to you at night is good for their well-being, and yours too!
4. Warmth. Sleeping with your pup means extra body heat. If either of you gets cold at night, this is a great solution.
5. White noise. If your dog is typically a calm sleeper, the sound of their steady breathing can help soothe you and coax you to sleep.
6. Alleviate feelings of loneliness. If you live or sleep alone and feel lonely, sleeping next to your dog may alleviate some of that loneliness.

Benefits Of Sleeping With Your Cat

Just like sleeping with your dog, sleeping with your cat is a personal choice that depends on both your sleeping preferences and the cat itself. Cats are vulnerable animals that like to find a space or person that they trust to sleep on or with.

These are a few of the benefits of allowing your feline companion to sleep with you at night.

1. Reduces stress. Many people find cats calm, relaxing animals. The act of petting a cat has been proven to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure and sleeping with your cat can have the same effect. Additionally, if you’re someone who wakes up and worries, where your pet is, having them in sight may give you peace of mind.
2. Comfort. Especially fluffy, long-haired, and/or bigger cats can provide an extra element of cozy warmth to your bed.
3. Build a closer bond. Many cats need to spend ample time with their owner, especially at the beginning of the relationship, to feel a genuine bond and build a level of trust. Just because cats are more independent than dogs, doesn’t mean they don’t need love and attention. One way of showing that is by allowing close quarters in your bed.
4. Alleviate loneliness. As with dogs, cats are often loving, sweet creatures that want to cuddle. If you sleep alone, allowing them in your bed can help alleviate that feeling of loneliness.

Drawbacks Of Sleeping With Your Pet

So why doesn’t everyone sleep with their pets? Here are a few reasons.

1. Pet dander and allergens in the bedroom. If you have a long-haired dog or cat, shedding can be a major issue. The loose hair can cover your sheets and blankets, and if you put clothes on your bed while getting dressed — those will get covered too. Additionally, if you suffer from allergies, fur in your sleeping environment can worsen your symptoms.
2. Noise. Dogs can hear incredibly well and may wake up in the middle of the night or the early hours of the morning to bark at seemingly nothing. While this trait is highly dependent on the breed of dog, if you’re not a fan of being rudely awoken, you may want to keep your pup out of the bedroom and out of earshot.
3. Accidents happen. Especially if you have a young puppy or kitten that’s potty training, or an elderly dog or cat that has a weak bladder, you don’t want them on the bed. If an accident does occur, it’s important to thoroughly clean your bed as soon as possible.
4. Disrupted rest. When your cat or dog wakes up, they probably want to play, eat, or be let out. As cute as that might be, getting a good night’s sleep should always be your top priority. Frequently being awoken in the middle of your REM sleep cycle can have long-term consequences for your mental and physical health.

The Purrrfect Bed For You & Your Pet

Pet therapy has been shown to help reduce pet owners’ anxiety. While there are many benefits of sleeping with your pet, allowing them on your bed can shorten the lifespan of your mattress. Make sure you invest in high quality, long-lasting mattress if you plan on letting your dog or cat sleep with you indefinitely.

Visit your local Mattress Warehouse today, so our sales representatives can help you find the perfect bed for not only you but your furry friends too.