Cuddling Up With Your Dog At Night Actually Doesn’t Ruin Your Sleep, So Snuggle Away
Sleeping With Your Dog: Does It Really Affect Your Rest?
For many people, dogs are more than pets — they are loyal companions who naturally become part of daily routines, including bedtime. Sharing your home with a dog often means wanting them close at all times, and countless pet owners enjoy ending the day with their furry friend nearby. While some people worry that allowing a dog in the bedroom could disturb sleep or bring extra dirt indoors, research suggests the situation may not be as problematic as once believed.
Research on Dogs and Sleep Quality
A study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2017 explored how dogs influence human sleep. Researchers observed 40 healthy adults over a one-week period to better understand whether sleeping near a dog disrupted rest. Some participants allowed their dogs to sleep in the bed, while others kept the dog elsewhere in the bedroom.
To monitor sleep patterns accurately, both the participants and their dogs wore activity-tracking devices. The volunteers also completed surveys describing how well they felt they slept each night. The results were reassuring for many pet owners, showing that having a dog in the bedroom did not significantly interfere with sleep quality for most people.
What Is Sleep Efficiency?
One of the main measurements used in the study was “sleep efficiency,” which compares the amount of time spent asleep to the total time spent in bed. Sleep experts generally consider an efficiency rate of 80 percent or higher to reflect healthy rest.
Participants who shared their bedroom with a dog averaged about 83 percent sleep efficiency. Researchers did notice a slight difference when dogs slept directly on the bed rather than elsewhere in the room. In those cases, sleep efficiency dropped by around 3 percent, though it still remained within a healthy range overall.
How Most Dog Owners Handle Bedtime
Many dog owners already enjoy sleeping close to their pets. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Kennel Club, nearly 45 percent of owners said they regularly cuddle with their dogs at bedtime, making it the most common sleeping arrangement.
Other reported sleeping setups included:
- 20 percent of dogs sleeping in crates
- 17 percent using their own dog beds
- 14 percent resting elsewhere in the home
- Only 4 percent sleeping outdoors
Deciding What Works Best
Where a dog sleeps is ultimately a personal choice based on comfort, habits, and sleep preferences. Some people sleep best with a dog curled up nearby, while others prefer giving their pet a separate sleeping space.
Experts often recommend setting clear boundaries if dogs share the bed. Teaching commands like “off” can help manage space and prevent nighttime disruptions. Proper training helps ensure both owner and pet stay comfortable throughout the night.
Whether your dog sleeps beside you, at the foot of the bed, or in a cozy spot across the room, the goal is simple: restful sleep for everyone involved. And for many dog lovers, resisting those hopeful puppy eyes at bedtime can be nearly impossible.
