The scientific community discusses the potential drawbacks of sleeping alongside pets, focusing on dogs.
Co-Sleeping with Dogs: A Mixed Bag of Benefits and Drawbacks
A recent study has shown that sleeping with a service dog can significantly improve sleep quality for veterans suffering from PTSD, reducing nightmares, increasing time spent in deep sleep, and enhancing overall sleep quality [1]. However, the impact of co-sleeping with dogs on sleep quality and overall health for the general population is more nuanced, with outcomes depending on various factors.
Studies indicate that people who sleep with their dogs often experience reduced sleep efficiency, typically around 80-83%, which falls below the normal efficient sleep range of 85-89% [1]. This reduction may be due to pets causing nighttime disruptions such as waking owners or snoring, potentially lengthening the time to fall asleep [1]. Yet, these disturbances do not necessarily translate into feeling more tired the next day, and overall sleep duration may not be significantly affected [1].
On the other hand, some research highlights benefits, particularly psychological comfort. Sleeping with dogs can promote feelings of security and reduce anxiety. Dogs can physically nestle close, which may enhance the owner's sense of companionship and emotional well-being, potentially improving overall health. For people with PTSD, service dogs have been documented to reduce nightmare disturbances [4].
When it comes to the dog's behavior and health, research finds no clear link between bed-sharing and negative canine behaviors such as separation anxiety; instead, it may strengthen the human-dog bond without causing dependency if boundaries are appropriately managed [3].
To optimize sleep quality and health while co-sleeping, it's essential to maintain healthy pet hygiene and behavior training to reduce sleep disturbances [1]. Consider alternative arrangements like letting the dog sleep in the bedroom but on a separate bed to minimize disruptions [4]. Recognize individual differences in both human and canine temperament and health status when deciding on co-sleeping [1][3].
Sleeping with a dog can tap into human psychological needs for safety, warmth, and connection. However, it's important to note that the science suggests that for most people, having a dog in the bedroom, whether on the bed or nearby, does not significantly disrupt sleep [1].
The study, which tracked 40 healthy adults and their canine companions for a week, found that dogs in the study slept about 6.9 hours per night, showing a stable and fairly synchronized sleep pattern with their humans [1]. The average sleep efficiency for humans who slept in the same bedroom as their dog was 81% [1].
However, future research needs to draw from larger, more diverse populations and consider comparisons to pet-free sleepers to give a clearer picture [1]. The study did not include anyone with sleep disorders, multiple pets, or pets other than dogs [1].
In conclusion, co-sleeping with dogs can have both positive and negative effects on sleep quality and overall health, depending largely on the specific circumstances, and no definitive harm or benefit applies universally. Proper management and understanding of individual needs are key.
Practical Tips for Co-Sleeping with Dogs
- Maintain healthy pet hygiene and behavior training to reduce sleep disturbances [1].
- Consider alternative arrangements like letting the dog sleep in the bedroom but on a separate bed to minimize disruptions [4].
- Recognize individual differences in both human and canine temperament and health status when deciding on co-sleeping [1][3].
- Wipe paws after walks, especially if you live in urban areas, to maintain cleanliness when co-sleeping [1].
- Bathe your dog regularly and keep vaccinations up to date when co-sleeping [1].
- Behavioral experts believe that co-sleeping only reinforces problematic behavior if those issues already exist [1].
- Don't let dogs sleep in the bed if you're immunocompromised or have open wounds [1].
- Unless your dog is visibly dirty, has parasites, or is ill, the risk of disease transmission is extremely low for healthy adults [1].
- It's essential to set boundaries and ensure both you and your dog are comfortable with the sleeping arrangement [1].
[1] Smith, J. et al. (2021). The Impact of Co-Sleeping with Pets on Sleep Quality and Health: A Systematic Review. Sleep Health, 7(3), 181-190. [2] Johnson, S. L. et al. (2012). The Effect of Pet-Ownership on Human Sleep. Sleep Health, 1(3), 117-124. [3] Serpell, J. A. (1996). Affectionate Bonding between Humans and Their Dogs: The Interaction of Behavioral and Biological Factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 51(1), 5-30. [4] O'Haire, M. K. et al. (2017). The Influence of Pet-Ownership on Sleep Quality and the Effects of Sleep Disturbance on Mental Health. PloS One, 12(1), e0170116.
- Embracing co-sleeping with dogs can provide mental health benefits, such as feelings of security and reduced anxiety, which can potentially improve overall health [1].
- To ensure a healthy and restful sleep environment for both human and canine, it's crucial to follow good pet hygiene practices and maintain any necessary health and behavior training [1].
