Sharing a bed with a dog does not necessarily harm sleep, according to research and sleep experts, but individual habits still matter. Bed hogging, nighttime movement, barking, overheating and pet dander can interrupt rest. The good news for owners is that training, exercise and a few bedroom changes may address many of these problems without ending nighttime companionship.
What research says about dogs in bed
Nearly half of Americans sleep with a pet in their bed, according to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey. That habit has raised questions for the roughly one in three U.S. adults who report not getting enough uninterrupted sleep.
In a small study, University of Toronto researchers monitored the movement of dogs and owners who shared a bed. They found that having a dog on the bed did not affect human sleep more positively or negatively than having the dog elsewhere in the bedroom or home. However, participants who slept with multiple dogs reported poorer sleep. All dogs in the study were Huskies, so the findings may not reflect the experience of sharing a bed with smaller breeds.
A dog’s life stage can also make a difference. Puppies may wake for feeding or bathroom trips, while older dogs may stir more often or need help getting on and off the bed. Dog stairs may make access easier for an older pet.
Training can reduce nighttime disruption
Owners who cannot find a comfortable position because a dog takes over the bed can teach cues such as move or back. Dog trainer Shannon Walker recommends practicing during the day, gently directing the dog out of a person’s space and rewarding it as soon as it moves.
Bed sharing may not be appropriate when a dog guards food or toys or refuses to respect personal space. Couples may also need a different arrangement if a dog repeatedly wedges between them. Options include having the dog sleep in another room, using a crate or directing it to a comfortable dog bed nearby.
Daytime activity can help with restless or noisy dogs. Exercise, followed by an evening walk or play session, may make it easier for a dog to settle and fidget less overnight. A white-noise machine or earplugs can help mask snoring, barking and other sounds.
Manage heat and allergens
A dog’s body heat can make the bed uncomfortably warm. Cooling bedding, a cooling mattress or a fan can improve airflow and help the human sleeper stay comfortable. A separate dog bed beside the human bed offers another option for large or heavily coated dogs.
People with pet allergies or asthma are generally advised not to share a bed with an animal. Those who still want their dog nearby can reduce exposure by regularly washing bedding in hot water, using allergen-resistant mattress and pillow covers, and running a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom.
Ultimately, the best arrangement depends on the dog’s age, temperament and behavior as well as the owner’s sleep quality. If sharing the bed repeatedly causes lost sleep, creating a comfortable nearby sleeping space may preserve both rest and companionship.
Source: Prevention
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