Is Sleeping With Your Pet Ruining Your Sleep?

You Should Know: Roughly half of American pet owners sleep with their pets in their bed, according to a 2022 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Snuggling with a furry friend can feel ultra-comforting, but it may have some potential downsides for your health and sleep. 

Going Deeper: Close proximity to your pet for hours can increase disease transmission, but the risk of getting really sick from co-sleeping with your pet is low, experts say. Dogs tend to move around during the night (including an average of two minutes of “play,” one study showed), which can disrupt your sleep, even if you’re not aware of it. 

Takeaway: Though the research suggests co-sleeping with your pet can impact your sleep quality, it can also boost emotional wellbeing and security — and many pet owners perceive their sleep to be better when their pet is in the bed. Having a pet (especially a dog) can promote a consistent routine, get you out of bed early, and create a daily exercise habit — all of which promote healthy sleep. 

Bottom Line: Experts say it’s an individual choice, but if you’re not getting good sleep, try a few nights without pets to see if you feel more rested.