Should You Let Your Pets Sleep In Bed With You?

It’s a long-time debate: Should you let your pet sleep with you or not. It’s no secret that we’re animal lovers here at Gardner-White and we have no shame in letting our pets sleep with us!

Some say that having an animal sleep in your bed can ruin your sleep.

But does it?

In an article on iheartdogs.com, they discuss a study done by the Mayo Clinic about the effects of dogs sleeping with you.

In its study, “The Effect of Dogs on Human Sleep in the Home Sleep Environment,” the Mayo Clinic found that for adults without sleep disorders, sleeping with their dog caused no negative consequences. In fact, the research results showed that both the dogs and humans slept together fine, and the size of the dog was not a factor when it came to affecting sleep quality.

Sleeping with your pets doesn’t always affect your sleep and can act as a comforting force. Unless you have this rabbit, although it doesn’t seem to bother them much!

Is it sanitary?

If you’re worried about catching any diseases, stop. If you and your pet is healthy, you have nothing to worry about. Make sure to keep your pet up to date with it’s vaccines and check ups. If you aren’t in the best health (such as cancer, transplant recipient, H.I.V positive, or immunosuppressed), sway on the safe side and leave your pet on their own bed or crate.

If you’re afraid of your pet bringing something from outside in and on your bed, just take extra precautions before bed or when they come inside. Wipe their feet, brush them or give them a bath. Otherwise, you’ll probably be okay. You wash your bedding anyway, right?

It actually helps your health!

Pets bring a calming sense and can really manage your stress. A study by the Journal of Behavioral Medicine showed that petting your dog or pet actually lowers your blood pressure. If you struggle with stress or anxiety, a pet can calm you before bed just by petting them and relaxing.

Some research has found that interacting with a dog can decrease cortisol levels and increase oxytocin. Say what? Cortisol is the hormone that causes stress and oxytocin is the hormone that increases trust in humans. Basically, being around your dog can reduce tension and increase pleasant feelings. That same study found that its participants reported feeling less stressed by being around a dog.

https://iheartdogs.com/5-reasons-science-says-your-dog-should-sleep-in-your-bed/?fbclid=IwAR0GWhLRJqwZG2-zBq73aKuXfkyjeBqlo4MCf8OtNKFw1NSNCTYZxZ-dHsI

Cold? Your pet has you covered.

Animals have a higher body temperature than humans. Extra cold during this brutal Michigan winter? CUDDLE WITH YOUR PET! They like the extra warmth too, and how could you say no to this face?

Have we convinced you yet? What side of the debate are you on? Let us know in the comments if you sleep with your pet or not and why!