A cat, dog or … most pets like a warm place at night. Of course, they also like to be with their owner. But what is the impact on your sleep when a pet sleeps with you? Do you sleep better or worse when a pet sleeps in bed with you? In this blog, we explain.
Can my dog or cat sleep in bed with me?
Sleeping with a pet is not detrimental to health or hygiene. In fact, American research (2018) by Christy L Hoffman shows that sleeping with a pet actually makes you sleep better.
Although we should be careful with the interpretation of this research, sleep expert Inge Declercq (UZA) indicated when asked in Knack after Chris Dusauchoit spoke about the research on Radio 1.
Sleep quality remains a subjective experience that cannot be properly measured. Thus, whether sleeping with your pet is good or bad is very personal. In fact, it depends on your personal situation.
Is sleeping with a pet good or bad?
There are several factors that all factor into this question. First, of course, your sleep pattern itself. Some people simply sleep better when they are alone, or rather with a partner or pet next to them. In certain cases, you may find sleeping with a pet to be a positive experience:
- A pet gives off heat.
- A pet lowers your stress level.
- You feel comfortable and safe with your pet.
But it could also have negative consequences. Consider:
- Your pet wakes you up at night.
- You sleep less efficiently.
- From a hygienic point of view, you don’t like it.
So, check carefully whether you have positive or negative experiences in your personal situation . You might feel safer or more comfortable if your dog sleeps with you, and is more likely to fall asleep. But perhaps your dog unconsciously keeps you from your deep sleep at night.
Is it dirty to sleep with a pet?
‘He who sleeps with the dog gets his fleas,’ the proverb goes. But is sleeping with your pet really that dirty? Fortunately, that’s not too bad. Cats keep themselves clean very well. With dogs, they may carry dirt from outside, but this has no negative impact on your health.
According to Chris Dusauchoit, sleeping with a pet is not dirty, as is often reasoned, but actually makes for a stronger immune system. However, you do need to wash bedding more frequently if your dog or cat sleeps in bed with you. It is also best to give extra attention to the ventilation of your bedroom.
Sleeping with pet: placebo?
Chris Dusauchoit refers to a Canadian study on cardiac arrhythmias. This showed that sleeping with a pet returned as variable. But it is believed to be a placebo effect.
You may feel safer or secure sleeping next to a pet, but if this is the conviction you need to fall asleep, half the game has already been played.
Conclusion
Whether you sleep better next to your pet is very personal. It can be either positive or negative depending on your situation. Just keep in mind that your pet may leave hair behind and you may need to change your bed more often.
Do you sleep better when a pet sleeps in bed with you? Frequently Asked Questions
Waarom geen huisdieren in bed?
It could be that you are allergic, for example, or don’t sleep well next to your pet. Then it is wise not to leave your pet in bed or in your bedroom.
Waarom komt een kat bij je slapen?
Cats like safe places, and, of course, warmth. Because you as the cat’s owner create a sense of security for the animal, they like to crawl next to you as soon as you go to sleep.
Kan je met een kat in bed slapen?
Sleeping with your cat can make it easier to fall asleep and experience less stress. It may also be that your cat is actually keeping you awake by moving around or taking up a lot of space.
