When my former partner and I welcomed our dog into our lives, I vividly recall my mother advising, “Don’t allow the dog to sleep in your bed.” With that in mind, we prepared a soft, cozy bed for our new furry friend. However, she showed little interest in it and preferred the couch, waking us up with her persistent howling. After several sleepless nights, I proposed moving her bed into our bedroom. Unfortunately, she still refused to use it. Finally, in sheer exhaustion, we threw caution to the wind and let her join us in bed. She snuggled right in and quickly drifted off. Now six years later, she still enjoys her place beside us at night.
Contrary to popular belief, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed is not harmful at all; in fact, it can be quite beneficial. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic has debunked the myth that sleeping with your dog negatively impacts sleep quality. This study should come as welcome news to those who cherish nighttime cuddles with their pets.
The Study
In the study, 40 dogs were observed over a week-long period. All dogs involved were older than six months, and they were equipped with Fitbark devices—similar to Fitbits for dogs that monitor their activity and rest. Meanwhile, their human companions wore Actiwatch 2 devices, which tracked their sleep quality. Participants also maintained sleep diaries for accuracy. The study included adults without sleep disorders, with 88% being women averaging 44 years old. The dogs had an average age of five. Results showed that when a dog shared a bed with its owner, the average sleep efficiency (the time spent asleep while in bed) reached 81%, which is considered satisfactory. Interestingly, people actually slept slightly better when their dogs were in the room, even if they weren’t in bed together. Dogs, on the other hand, maintained an average sleep efficiency of 85% regardless of their specific sleeping arrangement within the bedroom. Although the study primarily focused on one dog per bed, Dr. Emily Roberts, a lead researcher, expressed interest in expanding these findings in future studies.
Expert Opinions
It’s clear that having your dog sleep beside you won’t significantly disrupt your sleep. Dr. Lois E. Krahn, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at the Mayo Clinic, shared with the New York Times that her six-year-old golden retriever, Max, often sleeps on the floor but joins her and her husband during colder months. They all sleep “just fine” together.
Personally, I find sleeping with my dog far more enjoyable than sharing a bed with a human. She’s the ideal sleeping companion; she loves to be close but also respects my space—something my partner certainly does not. During my pregnancy, she would curl up behind my knees, providing comfort.
With a dog, there’s usually no need to battle for blankets. While some can be cuddly, they often have their own designated blanket. My dog has a tendency to claim my pillow, and she’s a notorious spot stealer; if I leave my bed, she’ll occupy the warm spot immediately. It’s amusing and endearing.
Considerations for Bed-Sharing
Of course, not every dog is suited for bed-sharing. Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a veterinarian and expert on animal behavior at Penn Vet in Philadelphia, notes that some dogs may react strongly to sudden movements. For instance, if an owner inadvertently bumps the dog while turning over, it might startle the dog and provoke a fearful reaction. He reassures pet owners that if there are no issues, allowing your dog in bed or the bedroom is perfectly acceptable.
If, however, you find having your dog in bed unsatisfactory, there are ways to modify the situation. Dr. Siracusa suggests a gradual transition, much like getting a child out of your bed. Understanding what comforts your dog about sleeping with you—be it the warmth, the soft pillows, or the presence of a human—can help you create a more suitable sleeping space for them. Elevating their sleeping area can be beneficial, especially if they dislike the floor. And let’s be honest, some dogs may simply prefer a less annoying sleeping partner. Nothing clears my dog from the bed faster than a loud snore.
So, if you love having your furry friend in your room, rest assured that it won’t instill bad habits or diminish your sleep quality. “Dogs can differentiate between their relationships with humans and other dogs, and they adjust their interactions accordingly,” explains Dr. Siracusa. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you, your family, and your dog. After all, when they drool, they’re just too cute to resist.
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Conclusion
In summary, sharing your bed with your dog is generally safe and can even enhance your sleep experience. It’s important to consider your own comfort and your dog’s behavior to ensure a harmonious sleeping arrangement.