Pets in Bed? The Pros, Cons & Best Sleep Setups for Pet Owners

“Is Sleeping with Your Pet Ruining Your Sleep?”

If you’ve ever woken up to your dog snoring loudly or your cat stealing your pillow, you’re not alone. Aussie pet owners love sharing their beds with their furry companions, but is it really helping or hurting your sleep quality?

With 69% of Australian households owning a pet (Animal Medicines Australia, 2022), the debate on whether pets belong in bed is real. Some swear by the comfort and security pets provide, while others struggle with sleep disturbances, allergies, and stolen blankets.

So, should you let your pet sleep in your bed, or is it time to set some boundaries? Let’s explore the science, expert opinions, and research-backed pros and cons.

The Benefits of Sleeping With Your Pet

1. Reduced Stress and Better Sleep Quality

Studies show that cuddling with pets reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the “love hormone”), leading to lower anxiety levels and improved sleep quality (Frontiers in Psychology, 2021).

A study from Washington State University found that just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can significantly reduce stress (source). If you struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness, your pet’s presence could help regulate your sleep cycle.

2. Natural Warmth in Winter

Pets are like built-in heaters. With an average body temperature of 38–39°C (Vetwest Animal Hospitals), your dog or cat can keep you warm on cold Australian winter nights—helping you save on electricity while maintaining optimal sleep comfort.

3. Feeling Safe and Secure

A 2018 study published in Anthrozoös found that women who sleep with dogs feel safer and report better sleep quality compared to those who sleep with a human partner (source). If you live alone or experience nighttime anxiety, having a pet close by can provide a strong sense of security.

The Downsides of Sharing Your Bed With Pets

1. Sleep Disturbances Are More Common Than You Think

While many pet owners say their pets don’t disrupt their sleep, research suggests otherwise.

• A University of Queensland study found that 20% of pet owners experience sleep disruptions due to their pet’s movements, snoring, or sudden wake-ups (source).

• A Mayo Clinic study reported that 53% of pet owners who share a bed with their pet experience sleep disturbances (source).

If you frequently wake up tired, groggy, or struggling with daytime fatigue, your furry friend might be the reason.

2. Allergies and Poor Air Quality

Even if you’re not allergic to pet fur, their dander, saliva, and dust mites can impact your sleep health.

The American Lung Association warns that pet dander stays airborne for long periods, leading to nasal congestion, sneezing, and reduced sleep efficiency .

If you wake up feeling stuffy or congested, try:

✔ Washing your bedding weekly to reduce allergens

✔ Investing in an air purifier to improve bedroom air quality

✔ Grooming your pet regularly to minimize shedding

3. Your Pet Will Take Over Your Bed (Guaranteed!)

Let’s be honest—pets do not respect personal space.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that large dogs take up significantly more bed space than expected, leading to increased movement and sleep disruption for humans .

If you often wake up cramped, with no blankets, or pushed to the edge of the bed, you’re not alone.

How to Sleep Better (With or Without Your Pet!)

If you love having your pet nearby but want to improve your sleep hygiene, here are some expert-backed tips:

1. Give Your Pet Their Own Bed (Near Yours)

Many pets just want to be close to you. Try placing a plush pet bed beside your bed to create a compromise between comfort and personal space.

2. Stick to a Consistent Sleep Routine

Pets thrive on routine. Feeding them at the same time each night, limiting pre-bed excitement, and ensuring they go outside before bedtime can prevent nighttime wake-ups.

3. Keep Your Bedroom Allergen-Free

• Vacuum regularly to reduce fur and dander buildup

• Use hypoallergenic bedding to minimize allergic reactions

• Groom your pet frequently to reduce shedding

4. Train Your Pet to Sleep in a Specific Spot

If you don’t want your pet stealing your pillow, set boundaries early. Train them to sleep at the foot of the bed or on a designated blanket. Pets love consistency, so they’ll adapt quickly.

Final Verdict: Should You Let Your Pet Sleep in Your Bed?

It depends!

✅ Yes, if:

• You love the comfort and companionship

• Your pet helps ease stress and anxiety

• You wake up feeling well-rested

❌ No, if:

• You wake up tired, congested, or with disrupted sleep

• Your pet hogs the bed and limits your movement

• You struggle with allergies or poor air quality

💬 What’s Your Experience?

Do you let your pet sleep in your bed, or have you set boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments!

📢 Want Better Sleep? Start With the Right Bedding!

A good night’s sleep starts with a comfortable sleep setup. Explore hypoallergenic bedding, supportive pillows, and pet-friendly mattresses to improve your sleep quality.

References & Research Papers

1. Animal Medicines Australia. (2022). Pets in Australia: A National Survey of Pets and People. https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people/

2. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (2017). The Effect of Pets in the Bedroom on Sleep. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30827-4/fulltext

3. Anthrozoös. (2018). Women’s Perceived Sleep Quality When Sleeping With Dogs, Cats, or Human Partners. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2018.1529354