Pets bring so much joy to our lives and it is well known that interacting with them can reduce stress and loneliness and improve your mood. So it's no surprise that we want to spend as much time with them as possible. But when it comes to sharing our beds with them, can their presence do more harm than good?
Sleep is our most vulnerable state, so it's not surprising that sleeping with our pets can make us feel more secure, both emotionally and physically. Many people who suffer from insomnia and related psychological problems such as stress, depression or anxiety often find that the emotional challenges of these disorders make it difficult to fall asleep at night. As a result, a furry companion like a dog or a cat at bedtime acts as a source of comfort and can greatly help those suffering from these conditions.
But if our pets disturb us at night—they need to go outside to relieve themselves, exercise, or take up too much space on the bed—we can wake up more irritable, short-tempered and vulnerable to stress. As with most things in life, it's all about finding the balance and in this case a routine that works for you and your pet. View the do's and don'ts of sleeping with pets here.
Different sleep patterns
If you have a pet, it should come as no surprise that you have different sleeping patterns. Dogs are the most popular pets. They sleep 12 – 14 hours a day, depending on their breed, size, age and overall health.
Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day, but this can be up to 20 hours depending on their age. It is therefore more common for our cats to lie down with us to nap at any time of the day.
Set clear boundaries
It's important to be consistent with your pet and set clear boundaries; namely whether they are allowed on your bed or not. If your pet is fighting for space on your bed at night, try offering a special bed on the floor. If they wake you up too early because they want to play, ask for food or need to be walked, ideally they should sleep in a separate room.
If your pet wakes you up at night, don't try to spoil him as this will reinforce his behavior and make him more likely to wake you up. A few simple boundaries and consistency will help your pet learn what he should or shouldn't do, which will ultimately lead to improved behavior and better sleep quality for you.
Pets need exercise too
One of the most common reasons pets don't sleep well at night is a lack of exercise. Just like us, animals need plenty of exercise throughout the day before they can settle in for the night.
If you notice that your pet's sleep routine has changed for seemingly no reason, be sure to set aside some time to play with him before he eats to help burn off any excess energy. If you have a dog, take him for a walk or throw a ball for him in your yard. If you have a smaller pet, such as a cat or rabbit, try to involve them in playing with their favorite toys.
And if you're really concerned, it doesn't hurt to talk to the vet or even ask at the pet store where staff are trained to help with common problems like this one.
A clean environment promotes better sleep
Have you considered whether pet hair is the culprit for your poor sleep? Pet hair allergies are common and there are also links between pet saliva, eczema and asthma. If you suffer from allergies, keep cuddling in places other than your bed just to be safe.
But if you can't bear to be separated from your pet at night, make sure you wash your bedding regularly and try to encourage your pet to use his own comforter so that his fur is contained and that he/ she stays off your duvet.
Find out what works for you
Some people like the comfort of sleeping with their pets – the rhythmic breathing and warmth of a pet's body while you sleep can have a calming effect. And because we have a lower body temperature than our pets, they can also act as natural heating as we approach winter.
But it's okay if you don't. If you've tried all of the above but find that they're still interfering with your sleep, don't stress. Your sleep is more important than sleeping with your pet; After all, you are the one who needs to wake up refreshed and ready for a whole day's work.
Just before going to bed, move your pet to another room and make sure they have a soft bed or blanket to lie on and plenty of water. If you have a dog, it may also be a good idea to give them something to chew to keep them busy while you drift away.
