Snuggling Dogs vs. Cuddling Cats?
Who is the better nighttime companion? In one study, women who shared a bed with a dog reported less disturbed sleep than those who shared a bed with a cat.
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Should we sleep with pets?
Many pet owners cherish their furry friends so much that they choose to snuggle up with them at night. In fact, 56% of adults and 35% of children share their bedroom with a pet. While many doctors have discouraged co-sleeping with pets, there is emerging research suggesting that it may have positive effects on our health. Let’s talk about the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping with a pet, as well as how we can get the best shut-eye with our animal companion.
Sleeping with pets can benefit our mental health.
Sleeping with a pet can provide a variety of benefits. One is making us feel more comfortable and secure. This may be best demonstrated by service dogs that have been trained to provide support to those with PTSD. These animals can be trained to identify when someone is having a nightmare and wake them up. In a study of veterans with PTSD service dogs, 57% reported that their dog helped ease their nightmare problems.
Cuddling with a pet can also ease mental health conditions. Petting an animal releases oxytocin and reduces cortisol levels, which is associated with relaxation and stress reduction. Studies have even shown that people with pets are less likely to take sleep medication than those without pets.
Sleeping with pets can strengthen immunity.
Sleeping with dogs or cats may also strengthen our immunity. This is because they diversify the makeup of bacteria surrounding us, which may benefit human health and our immune response. This may be even more beneficial in children. Studies have shown that being exposed to two or more dogs or cats in the first year of life may reduce a person’s risk of developing allergies to them, as well as dust mites, blue grass and ragweed.
Sleeping with pets can aggravate allergies.
Although sleeping with pets brings many people joy, it may also come with some drawbacks. In the U.S., millions of people who have pet allergies live with a pet regardless. However, if you have an allergy to your pet you may consider keeping your pets out of the bedroom, even during the day, to avoid exposure to pet hair and dander during sleep. If allergies are disrupting your sleep, you may wish to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Sleeping with pets can expose us to germs.
The germs brought into our homes can have both positive and negative effects. While they can strengthen our immunity, they can also expose us to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can put us at risk. Those of us prone to infection or with compromised immune systems may want to avoid sleeping with pets.
Sleeping with pets can interrupt our sleep.
Our pets can also disrupt our sleep. Some animals, especially larger ones, are prone to sprawling out and taking over our beds. The effects of these disturbances are usually mild, and can be minimized by having your pet sleep elsewhere in your room, such as a bed of their own, to make your slumber more peaceful.
If you do decide to sleep with your pet, these tips can boost sleep quality for both of you:
Use a properly sized mattress: Make sure your mattress is large enough to accommodate you and your pet.
Wash sheets and bedding regularly: Routinely was bedding, as well as pet beds or blankets, to prevent the spread of unwanted germs.
Stay up to date on vet visits: Protect your pet and yourself by staying current on vaccinations, flea and tick medicines and deworming.
Walk your pet before bed: A walk before bedtime allows your pet to go to the bathroom and burn off excess energy.
Keep a consistent bedtime routine: Going to sleep and waking up regularly will keep you both on the same sleep schedule and protect against restless nights.