Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?

Do you let your dog sleep in the same bed as you? Research suggests there are benefits of letting your dog do so. First, let’s jump into the number one reason why some researchers are in favor of this tradition. 

1. Comfort and Security 

Co-sleeping with a furry friend produces feelings of comfort and may reduce anxiety and stress. Spending an additional 8 hours at night can increase feelings of companionship with your pet. It’s also true that co-sleeping with your furry friend increases a sense of security and provides a level of comfort. If you don’t have a partner, a pet just might be your next best security and personal wake-up call. 

2. Supports Mental Health 

Pets shouldn’t be welcomed in the bed just for the month of May (Mental Health Awareness month), instead pets should be welcomed under the covers all year-round. Co-sleeping with pets supports mental health as it reduces feelings of loneliness and the act of snuggling may help promote relaxation. 

While some pet owners embrace the benefits of co-sleeping, there are some risks to having your dog sleep with you. 

1. Disruptive Sleep 

May disrupt your sleeping patterns and your quality of sleep as dogs operate on a polyphasic cycle completely opposite of how humans sleep. Sleep disturbances are likely to occur if they’re always on the alert and can wake up at any given moment, negatively impacting your sleep quality. 

2. Allergies 

Sleep Foundations highlights the risks of catching a sensitivity to pet allergens, thus sleeping with a pet should be avoided.This is more of a concern for first-time pet owners in adulthood who are more likely to be sensitive to pet allergens. Those with pet allergies should generally avoid sleeping with pets. 

Now, how about the decision to let your dog sleep in the same room, and not necessarily in the same bed? Whether it’s the same bed, same room or in a completely separate room, it’s for you to decide if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of having your furry friend co-sleep with you or not. 

For those who are in favor of letting your pets sleep in the bed as you, here are a few of our Mattress Protectors that are perfect for protecting against your pets. Our Mattress protectors are stain-resistant and machine-washable.