Do Your Pets Sleep In Bed With You? 💤

Imagine it’s the end of a long day. You’re in your comfy clothes for the night, and your only task now is to relax.

Maybe you’re reading a book, watching a show, or scrolling on your phone. Your sweet pet is likely snuggling by your side, enjoying this quiet time with their favorite human.

But soon, it’s time to call it a night. As you get ready to hop into bed…

Co-sleeping has its perks!

“My cats allow me to sleep in their king sized bed.”
-Toni, mom to 2 cats

When it comes to topics like these, we all have our preferences, of course. 

But curiosity is a natural human trait. And when it comes to the reason behind why people choose to allow it or not, we want to know!

A lot of pet parents love sharing the last moments of their night and the first moments of their day alongside their beloved companion. 
And while we may have our own personal reasons, there’s research that suggests a handful of benefits to snoozing with your pets.

Emotional comfort and stress relief

Since pet parenthood can help reduce anxiety and feelings of loneliness–and improve overall mental health–it only makes sense for some to continue those feel-good benefits at bedtime.

“I am her, and she is me. Suki’s toy still sleeps with me, I feel like she keeps me safe and vice versa. And I want her only to be in comfort.”
-Katie, mom to sweet Suki who passed last year
We mentioned this in a past newsletter (scroll down to the “Why the bond just feels right” section) but it’s worth talking about again: pets can affect the inner workings of our body! Their love and companionship boosts oxytocin and lowers cortisol, and can ultimately lead to a more easeful way of being.

“She absolutely sleeps with me. She’s a rescue from extreme abuse and her connection includes a leg over me like she needs to make sure I’m there.”
-Tess, mom to a sweet 80-lb black lab mix

Purpose and routine

When our pet is directly affected by our bedtime or morning routine, we’re more likely to create one that works for the both of us–and stick to it. Bedtime routines can lead to better sleep, and better sleep leads to better emotional and mental health. Win-win!

“They just show up while we’re sleeping ha so we don’t have much choice 😂" - Paige, mom to 2 rulers (...we mean, cats)

Security and safety

In some cases, having a pet nearby can help us feel safer as we sleep. This sense of safety can help us feel calm and less stressed because we know our little protector is always around.

“I just love having them close to me and being able to provide a safe, loving space for them to fully relax. Though there are beds made for animals throughout the house, we both prefer to lay on a big, cozy bed. I also believe they like this because it allows them to feel like our protector.” -Stephanie, dog mom to a small snugglemonster

Health benefits

This one might seem a little far-fetched, but yes, our health can be positively affected by the physical contact we have with our pets. Studies have shown that petting a dog can reduce stress, but they also suggest the act helps lower blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and alleviates muscle tension.

Imagine the good it’s doing for your body when you fall asleep as you're petting your best bud!

“We sleep with our dogs. Mostly because we love them but also because they are warm. Also, it’s one of the reasons we have a king bed. ” -Hillary, mom to 3 border collies

Wait!
There may be some drawbacks too

“He will sometimes come and lay with us while we wind down, but he goes to his crate after. His crate is his space. He sleeps better if he can't see us (learned from experience), and it gives us time in the morning to get up and get ready so we can give him the undivided attention he needs first thing in the morning (excited greetings, potty time, and breakfast).”
- Kaitlin, mom to a cute lanky pup

We can’t pretend sleeping with pets is all rainbows and butterflies. Toes up the nose, stinky breath, rumbling snores… sometimes sleep can become quickly unpleasant!

Those who wish to keep the bed a human-only zone may have good reasons for doing so, especially when you take these factors into consideration.

Poor sleep experience

Let’s be honest, some pets move around more than others. And for the ones who can’t seem to find that perfect spot? It might be keeping others awake too.

Between varying sleep schedules, sensitivity to outside noises, and other disturbances, sleep might end up being compromised. Research has shown that in some cases, pet parents really do get worse sleep.
(But another study has also found that while people who sleep with dogs usually move more throughout the night, they hardly report their sleep being disrupted 🤷)

“They keep my bed warm 😂 My dog tends to take up a whole human spot next to me & my cat chills at my feet. If I feel like I’m suffocating I’ll nudge the dog to get in his bed, but typically he’ll still make his way back in the middle of the night.” -Jayme, mom to a chill cat and an insistent pup

Allergies and pathogens

While we might not be allergic to the pets themselves, we could be allergic to things that cling to their bodies. And sleeping in close quarters could cause symptoms to show up more than they would otherwise.

Dander, dust mites, mold, parasites… they could all be lurking in your pet’s fur or on their skin (icky, we know).

For some, it’s just another way to strengthen the immune system. For others who may be more sensitive, it’s something to take into consideration for a more restful sleep.

More serious considerations

Something we may not always think about, but could potentially be an issue, are zoonotic diseases (an infectious disease caused by a pathogen that can jump from an animal to a human) and parasites.

Little pests like fleas, ticks, or worms, and other contagious bacterias can, in theory, cause big issues. It might not be a problem for some, but for immunocompromised pet parents, it’s definitely something to think about!

“The cat usually likes to corral outside and kill stuff, but the dogs will sleep in my bed. Once in a while, I will put them in check and close them out of my bedroom for one night a week so they know how lucky they are.”

- Shelley, mom to a rambunctious cat and two dogs

Keeping bedtime restful and low risk

👍If sharing the bed is already a common practice, or you’re curious about the benefits and want to give it a try, doing so in a way that reduces some of the risks can put your mind at ease as you snuggle up for some zzz’s.

🐾 Keep pets regularly bathed, up to date on vaccines, and treated with pest preventatives

🐾 Wash bedding regularly (more laundry, we know) and consider HEPA filters if allergies are a concern

🐾 Designate a “spot” on the bed at first and work on training them to go there (good luck!)

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❌ And if you find that the bed really just isn’t working? That’s okay! There are still ways to create a cozy, comfy atmosphere for your sweet pet, of course.

🐾 Put a pet bed on the floor in the bedroom so they can be nearby, but in their own place

🐾 Create a sleep nook filled with squishy pillows and clothes that smell like you

🐾 Establish boundaries and a routine, and stick to it–knowing what to expect is comforting

There’s no “best” way–just what’s best for you!

While every pet-human relationship is different, the bond we feel with our pets is very real. The good news? There’s no right answer when it comes to wondering if your pets should be in the bed with you.

There will always be two sides of the coin and different perspectives to share, but when it comes down to it, the “right” choice is always what feels good for you.

“Chicho used to sleep with me right on my forehead… but it’s not safe for birds for sleep with people ” - Melannie, mom to 2 parakeets

A pet isn’t going to love you more because they get to squeeze into the bed. And they’re not going to love you less if they’re not allowed on the bed.

As long as they feel safe and we’re consistent with our boundaries and expectations, whatever we choose just becomes part of the household dynamic.
And either way, you’re an amazing pet parent 🤩

A Cotl plan to protect the nighttime cuddles

Providing your pet with love is second nature to you, but if something were to happen to you, who would provide that love to your pet?

Would they know what your pet does at bedtime? Would they be willing to share the same amount of love all through the night?

Putting a Cotl plan in place ensures your pet is taken care of, just the way they’re used to, no matter what happens to you.

Discover how the process works or book a call directly with Sean, our founder and CEO, to see what a plan could look like for you.

Understand the process

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