Should Your Pet Share the Bed with You?

Are you team pets in the bed or solo sleeper? Let's sink our teeth into this cozy (and sometimes contentious) topic.

Ever found yourself tossing and turning at night, not because of an unsolved work problem or a forgotten email, but because your soulful sidekick is sprawled across half the mattress? You're not alone. In homes around the globe, pet parents are navigating this nightly conundrum: to snuggle or not to snuggle with their pets in bed.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room—or rather, the Labrador on the duvet. Sharing your bed with a pet is not just a matter of personal preference; it's a lifestyle choice that can affect your sleep quality, health, and even your relationship with your significant other. So, let's unpack it!

The case for cuddling up

For many pet parents, the benefits of snuggling up with their dog or cat are clear. There's the undeniable comfort of a warm, breathing being beside you, the sweet bonding moments of waking up to puppy breath or a purring cat, and the sense of security that comes from having your loyal companion close by.

The benefits extend beyond just feeling cozy. Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to their ability to offer unconditional love and comfort. For many, just the act of petting a dog or cat can induce feelings of wellbeing and decrease blood pressure and heart rate. Pet parents who live alone or struggle with mental health issues may find that allowing their curious copilot on the bed can help combat feelings of loneliness and depression.

Research even backs up some of these feel-good vibes. A study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that many people report sleeping better with a pet in their bedroom. Participants cited the comfort and security provided by their pets as major benefits, leading to a perception of improved sleep.

The research did show, however, that the location of your pet (aka whether they were on or off the bed) did impact the quality of reported sleep. We'll explore these details further below.

The flip side: Snooze with caution

Pets in the bed - it's not all dreamy naps and tail wags. Sharing your sheets can have its drawbacks. For starters, pets can be bed hogs, sprawling out in the most inconvenient ways and disrupting your sleep patterns.

The aforementioned study by the Mayo Clinic suggests that while many people believe they sleep better with their pets, objective measurements show that humans (and pets) may experience more disturbances when sharing a bed. This can lead to less restful sleep overall, even if the emotional benefits feel significant.

For those with allergies, sleeping with a pet can exacerbate symptoms, leading to a less-than-restful night's sleep. And let's not overlook the potential for disrupting romantic relationships. Not everyone is thrilled to have a drooling dog as a third wheel during intimate moments.

In a survey conducted by Figo in 2024, nearly 4 in 5 pet parents admitted that they believe sharing their bed with their pet is a-ok. Cat owners, in particular, are 5% more likely to snuggle up with their whiskered companions. Considering cats' notorious disregard for human-imposed rules, it's natural that only a small fraction of cat parents, 14%, have never shared a snooze with their feline.

While that may sound great - I am one of the 80% of dog moms who share a bed with my pup nightly - this sleeping situation could cause conflict if you're with someone who prefers more space or struggles with light sleep overall. You may have to have some hard talks and compromise so that everyone can get their beauty rest. After all, sleep deprivation is no fun for anyone, human or otherwise.

The case for crates or separate sleeping quarters

While the image of a pet curled up at the foot of your bed is undeniably heartwarming, there are compelling reasons why some pets may actually do better sleeping in a crate or outside the bedroom. This isn't about diminishing the bond between pets and their owners; rather, it's about ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of everyone in the household.

Safety and security

For puppies or newly adopted pets, crates can serve as a safe haven that mimics the den-like environment their instincts crave. It provides them with a sense of security and helps with anxiety. Moreover, crates prevent nighttime wandering, which can be dangerous for pets prone to chewing or getting into things they shouldn’t.

Training and independence

Using a crate or assigning a specific sleeping area outside the bedroom can be an effective part of training, teaching pets boundaries and independence. It helps them understand that there are times they need to be comfortable being alone, which is crucial for their emotional development.

This can be especially important for pets with separation anxiety, as it gradually acclimates them to the idea of being by themselves without causing stress or discomfort.

Allergies and hygiene

For pet owners with allergies, keeping pets out of the bedroom can be a necessity rather than a choice. It helps minimize exposure to allergens like dander and fur, contributing to a better night's sleep.

Additionally, pets, no matter how clean, can bring in dirt or other outdoor elements. Keeping them in their own space can help maintain the cleanliness of your sleeping area if that's something that you're meticulous about.

Customized comfort

Just like humans, pets have unique preferences for their sleeping environments. Some might prefer the coziness and confinement of a crate, while others might enjoy the openness of a pet bed in a quiet corner. Providing them with their own space allows them to find their most comfortable sleeping position without the constraints of sharing a bed.

While pets bring immeasurable joy and comfort to our lives, ensuring they have their own space can sometimes be the best way to show our love and care for them.

Finding the middle ground

So, where does this leave the pet-loving sleeper? In search of balance, as with most things in life. Here are a few tips for those who cherish both their pets and their Zs:

• Trial Runs: Give bed-sharing a trial period. Notice any changes in your sleep quality or health and decide accordingly.

• Create Alternatives: Consider setting up a cozy pet bed near your own. This can provide closeness without direct impact on your sleep space.

• Set Boundaries: If you decide to share your bed, establish clear rules for your pet. Training them to sleep at the foot of the bed, for example, can help minimize disturbances.

• Health Checks: Regular vet visits and grooming can mitigate hygiene concerns and health issues for both you and your pet. It may also ease allergies for those who find themselves extra sneezy after a night of snuggling.

• Communication: If you share your bed with a human partner, make sure to communicate openly about your pet preferences to ensure it works for everyone involved.

To share or not to share

Ultimately, whether your pet should share your bed is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, health, and sleep habits. Like choosing a diet or a workout routine, it's about what works best for you and your fur-covered (or not-so-furry) pack.

The goal is to ensure that everyone—pets included—gets a good night's sleep. After all, well-rested pet parents are happier, healthier, and better equipped to enjoy all the wonderful moments of pet ownership, day and night.

So, as you ponder this question tonight, with your cat curled up at your feet or your dog snoring softly beside you, consider what's most important for your sleep and your well-being. And whatever you decide, know that the bond between you and your pet is special, and unique, and will persevere, whether they share your pillow or not.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.