Pets in bed: Influence on people’s sleep quality controversial

2023-09-26 19:22:00

Is it easier to sleep with your pet in bed? Studies come to different results

Should pets be allowed to sleep in their owners’ beds? Investigations into this question come to different results (symbolic image).

© Westend61 / Imago Images

Should Waldi, Miezi and Co. be allowed to sleep in their owners’ beds? Investigations into this question come to different results.

For many animal owners, it is a daily ritual: the pet – in Germany these are most likely dogs and cats – is allowed to go under the covers in the evening or at least on the edge of the mattress to hang out with their owner at the same time to go to sleep.

Audiostory

Pet hotel five stars for four paws – where pets enjoy pure luxury

12.07.2020

But what influence do four-legged friends have on people’s sleep quality? Some studies in recent years initially assume a number of positive effects on the quality of sleep. In 2015, the US Mayo Sleep Clinic examined the effects of animals in bed with 150 participants. Almost half said they had pets, 41 percent even said they had several. 56 percent of pet owners allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom. A fifth described it as disturbing, while 41 percent described it as unobtrusive or even sleep-inducing.

The age of the pet also affects the quality of human sleep

In 2018, animal researcher Professor Christy L. Hoffmann surveyed almost a thousand women living in the USA about sleep quality and pets. Result: The quality of sleep with a dog in bed is significantly better. However, human partners and cats did not contribute to sleep improvements.

According to a study from March of this year, on the one hand, pets in the bedroom can provide a feeling of security – which certainly contributes to general well-being – but on the other hand, if you actually share a bed with them, this can quickly lead to unintentional sleepless nights.

Mistakes in animal husbandry

From guinea pigs to parakeets – when pets are (unintentionally) tortured

Finally, the Uppsala Sleep Science Laboratory in Sweden found in its own study that individual factors played a role: “The age of the pet has a big influence […] If you have multiple pets, they can egg each other on,” says Lieve van Egmond, a researcher involved in the study.

However, with dogs, she adds, it depends largely on the breed and the level of activity they need. However, you can ensure that your pet receives plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. These are also crucial factors for the rest of the animals and therefore also the owners.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Prof. Hoffman

km