When my partner and I welcomed our dog into our lives, my mother firmly advised against letting our furry friend sleep in our bed. With that in mind, we set up a cozy little dog bed in anticipation of her arrival. However, it quickly became apparent that our pup preferred the couch instead, and her howls at night prompted us to reconsider. “Let’s give the dog bed a try in the bedroom,” I suggested. Yet, she remained uninterested. Eventually, worn out from sleepless nights, we decided to let her join us in bed. She snuggled in and slept soundly. Fast forward six years, and she still sleeps with us every night.
Contrary to popular belief, allowing your dog to sleep in the same bed as you isn’t harmful—in fact, it may even have positive effects on sleep quality. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic debunked the myth that dogs in the bed negatively impact sleep. This news is sure to be a relief for those of us who enjoy cuddling with our canine companions.
The Study
The study monitored 40 dogs, all older than six months, over the course of a week. Each dog was equipped with a Fitbark, a device similar to a Fitbit that tracks activity levels, while their owners wore an Actiwatch 2 to assess sleep patterns. The participants also maintained sleep diaries. All individuals in the study were healthy adults, with 88 percent being women averaging 44 years of age, and the dogs had an average age of five. Results indicated that when a dog shared the bed, the humans achieved an average sleep efficiency of 81 percent—deemed satisfactory. Interestingly, humans slept slightly better when their dog was in the room, even if not in bed. Dogs had an average sleep efficiency of 85 percent regardless of where they slept, provided they were in the same room. Although the research was limited to one dog per bed, Dr. Emily Johnson, a sleep specialist involved in the study, expressed interest in expanding this research in the future.
Expert Opinions
As it turns out, sharing your bed with your dog is unlikely to disrupt your sleep in any significant way. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic, shared that her golden retriever, Max, usually sleeps on the floor but joins her and her husband during colder months, and they all sleep “just fine.”
I personally find more comfort in sleeping with my dog than with another human. She’s the perfect bed buddy; she enjoys being close but also gives me enough space to turn over. During my pregnancy, she would curl up behind my knees, providing warmth and comfort. With a dog, the chances of blanket tug-of-war are minimal, and while my dog loves to steal my pillow, it’s hard to be annoyed when she’s so cute doing it.
Of course, some dogs may not be the best bedmates. Dr. Carlo Thompson, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist at Penn Vet, notes that certain dogs may react strongly to unexpected movements. For instance, if an owner inadvertently nudges the dog while turning in bed, that could startle some dogs. However, if both owner and dog are comfortable sharing the bed, then it’s perfectly fine.
Transitioning to a Different Sleeping Area
If you find that sharing your bed with your dog isn’t working for you, transitioning them to a different sleeping area can be achieved gradually. Dr. Thompson advises identifying what your dog loves about your bed—whether it’s the pillows, the warmth, or the closeness—and replicating that comfort in a designated space. Elevating their sleeping area might help too, as it could keep them off the floor while avoiding a face full of dog breath. And let’s be honest, nothing clears a dog out of bed faster than an unexpected fart!
So, if you enjoy having your pup close at night, rest easy. You’re not instilling any bad habits or compromising your sleep quality. Dogs are capable of distinguishing their relationships with humans from those with other dogs, and they don’t see your shared bed as a challenge to establish dominance.
Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you, your family, and your beloved dog. And let’s face it, drool or not, they are irresistibly adorable.
Further Reading
For more insights on home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from ACOG. And if you’re interested in at-home fertility options, don’t miss our guide to the Cryobaby Insemination Kit. For further reading on this topic, visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary
Sharing your bed with your dog is not only acceptable but can also promote a restful night’s sleep. Research debunks the myth that dogs disrupt sleep, showing that humans may even sleep better with their furry companions nearby. Understanding your dog’s needs and creating a comfortable sleeping arrangement is key in ensuring a harmonious bed-sharing experience.