When sleep psychologist Shelby Harris consults with patients struggling to sleep, she always asks about pets. Many assume she'll advise against co-sleeping with their dog, but the answer isn't always simple. A 2022 survey found nearly half of U.S. adults share a bed with a pet, a common practice with both potential benefits and drawbacks.
Disease Transmission: A Small But Real Risk
Pets can expose owners to ticks, fleas, parasites, and bacteria. Veterinarian Dr. Josh Daniels notes this exposure increases in a shared bed. Historical medical reports document rare cases of serious infection linked to co-sleeping, including bacterial infections from pet saliva and plague transmitted by fleas.
However, experts like Bruno Chomel, a professor emeritus at UC Davis, emphasize the risk is generally low for healthy individuals. The most common concerns are ticks and fleas, which can transmit illnesses like Lyme disease. Routine preventative care, including flea/tick treatment and deworming, is critical.
Sleep Quality: May Be Disrupted Unknowingly
Research on the subject is limited, but some studies suggest pets can negatively impact sleep. A 2017 activity monitor study found owners slept less efficiently with their dog on the bed. A 2020 study noted dogs disrupted owners' sleep, yet the owners often didn't report the disturbances.
Dr. Douglas Wallace, a sleep physician, theorizes the emotional support from a pet may outweigh sleep quality losses. He also notes that pet ownership can promote beneficial routines like regular morning exercise.
If you suspect your pet is harming your sleep, Harris recommends a trial separation in bed for a few nights to assess any difference.