Nearly half of pet owners share their bed with a pet, according to a survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. While many report feeling comforted and safe, new research suggests that co-sleeping with pets may quietly disrupt sleep quality.
Studies using objective measures, such as wristwatch devices that track movement, show that even when owners feel they slept well, their sleep is often more fragmented. Pet movements during the night can influence human sleep patterns, and vice versa, leading to more awakenings.
The impact varies by pet type. Sleeping with dogs may cause more disruption, possibly due to their sensitivity to external noises, while cats show mixed results. The number of pets also plays a role.
Despite these disruptions, many owners subjectively report better sleep and increased emotional safety. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of co-sleeping: it can be both comforting and disruptive simultaneously.
Over time, poor sleep quality can affect emotional regulation, leading to lower frustration tolerance and difficulty managing stress. Experts advise pet owners to weigh the benefits against potential sleep disturbances.
