Sleeping with your pet: advice for a peaceful night's sleep 🐾

Important points	Summary
Benefits of sleeping with a pet	Strengthens the emotional bond and reduces stress thanks to the animal's soothing presence.
Risks of disrupting sleep	The animal's nocturnal movements can cause sleep interruptions and reduce its quality.
Hygiene issues	Pets can carry parasites, so it's essential to maintain good hygiene.
Tips for sleeping well with a pet
Frequently asked questions	Sleeping with an animal can improve sleep for some people by reducing stress.

What are the benefits of sleeping with your pet?

Strengthen the emotional bond with your pet

Sharing a bed with your four-legged friend creates a physical closeness that strengthens the emotional bond between you.

This close contact stimulates the production of oxytocin, often called the "attachment hormone", in both humans and animals.

This hormone is important in:

- creating strong emotional bonds,

- stress reduction,

- improving general well-being.

Reduce stress and anxiety

The presence of your pet in your bed can have a significant calming effect on your nervous system.

This can be seen in:

- lower blood pressure,

- a reduction in heart rate,

- improved quality of sleep.

For cat owners, purring has recognised therapeutic benefits.

Vibrations emitted at a frequency of between 20 and 140 Hz have beneficial effects on:

- muscle relaxation,

- pain reduction,

- accelerating tissue healing.

Having a sense of security

Sleeping with your dog can provide a greater sense of security, especially for people living alone.

Dogs, thanks to their natural protective instinct:

- remain vigilant at night,

- can alert you to suspicious noises or intruders,

- offer a reassuring presence that encourages deeper, more restful sleep.

A study conducted by the University of Canisius at Buffalo revealed that 57% of dog owners who slept with their pet felt safer at night.

What are the risks of sleeping with your pet?

Sleep disturbance

The sleep rhythms of animals differ from those of humans.

Whether it’s:

📌 night-time movements,

📌 snoring,

📌 the need to get up.

They can disrupt your sleep, leading to micro-awakenings and reduced quality of sleep.

A study has shown that sharing a bed with a pet can increase sleep interruptions, reducing the time spent in deep, restorative sleep.

Hygiene problems

Pets can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, even if they are well looked after.

You owe it to yourself to:

📌 maintain good hygiene,

📌 regularly treat animals for parasites.

According to Dr. Alejandra Perotti, mite expert, the microscopic parasites found on animals can cause skin or respiratory infections in humans. (Source: Geo)

Health risks

People suffering from allergies or asthma may find their symptoms exacerbated by sleeping with an animal.

What's more, certain zoonoses - diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans - can occur through close contact.

Zoonoses such as:

📌 toxoplasmosis,

📌 lyme disease,

📌 ringworm.

These are examples of diseases that can be transmitted by pets.

Immunocompromised people, young children and pregnant women need to be particularly vigilant, as they are more likely to contract these infections.

How to sleep well with your pet?

Maintaining good hygiene

Make sure your pet is regularly wormed and treated for fleas and ticks.

This minimises the risk of contamination and protects the health of all family members.

Here are some steps to take:

📌 Deworming: give your pet a deworming treatment every three months.

📌 Pest control: use pest control products to prevent flea and tick infestations.

📌 Grooming: wash your pet regularly or take it to the groomer.

📌 Bed linen: change sheets frequently and clean bedding to remove hair and allergens.

Establish rules for cohabitation

To avoid disturbances at night, it is important to define clear rules.

Here are a few suggestions:

📌 Location: place your pet at your feet on a dedicated blanket rather than under the sheets. This limits movement and direct contact during the night.

📌 Routine: establish a bedtime routine for your pet to synchronise its sleeping habits with yours.

📌 Limited access: if your pet tends to move around a lot, consider restricting access to certain parts of the bed.

Creating a resting space for the animal

If possible, set up a comfortable resting area for your pet in another room.

This can help reduce nocturnal disturbance while allowing the animal to feel safe and comfortable.

Here are a few ideas for creating a cosy corner:

📌 Basket or cushion: choose a basket or cushion suited to your pet's size.

📌 Quiet spot: place your pet's bed in a quiet spot away from draughts.

📌 Toys and blankets: add toys and blankets to make the space more welcoming

Frequently asked questions about sleeping with your pet

Q. Can sleeping with my pet improve my sleep?

Yes, for some people, the presence of their pet can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep.

Q. How can I prevent my pet from disturbing my sleep?

Place your pet at your feet on a dedicated blanket and make sure it has a comfortable place to rest.