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The presence of pets during the night increases the feeling of security, but can also cause movements, awakenings, and sleep interruptions
Sleeping next to dogs and cats has become part of the routine for many pet owners and represents a moment of affection, closeness, and connection at home. According to a survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, about 46% of pet owners share their bed with their pets, which shows how these animals have come to occupy an increasingly familiar space in everyday life. However, the practice has caught the attention of researchers because it can have different effects at the same time. While many owners report emotional comfort, measurements taken during the night indicate that rest can become more fragmented when the animal shares the bed with the human.
Feeling of security explains part of the habit
Researcher Renata Roma, from the University of Saskatchewan, points out that one of the main benefits is linked to the feeling of security. Sleep is a moment of vulnerability, and therefore, the presence of a nearby animal can reduce anxiety and increase emotional well-being. Many study participants claim they rest better when sleeping with their dogs or cats. Furthermore, waking up with the pet nearby usually generates positive feelings, which reinforces the perception of a calmer and more welcoming night. This emotional effect helps explain why so many owners maintain the habit even in the face of possible interruptions.
Sleep measurements show another side of the routine
When scientists analyze sleep through equipment capable of recording movements and nocturnal awakenings, the results show a reality different from the perception of the owners. The measurements indicate that rest tends to be more fragmented when there is an animal sharing the bed. In many cases, interruptions occur because of the pets’ own movements during the night. Researchers also observed a kind of synchronization between owner and animal, in which the movement of one directly influences the sleep of the other.
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Dogs can cause more interruptions than cats
The impacts vary according to the species, and studies indicate that dogs tend to cause more nighttime disturbances than cats. One hypothesis is that dogs are more sensitive to external stimuli, such as noises from the street, barking, or other environmental sounds. Thus, when the dog reacts during the night, the owner may also move or wake up. This pattern may go unnoticed on some nights, but it still interferes with the continuity of rest.
Fragmented sleep can affect well-being
An occasional night of interrupted sleep does not necessarily represent a major problem. However, experts warn that poor quality rest over time can affect mood, concentration, stress tolerance, and even mental health. The impact, therefore, depends on the frequency of interruptions and how each person responds to the presence of the animal in the bed. For some owners, the emotional comfort compensates for the awakenings. For others, sleeping continuously may be more important.
Decision depends on each owner’s routine
Researchers argue that the topic should not be treated as a choice between right and wrong. The decision depends on the individual needs of each owner and also on the behavior of the animal itself during the night. For some people, the pet’s company offers comfort, security, and well-being. For others, uninterrupted sleep needs to be a priority.
In light of this delicate balance, what weighs more in your routine: the emotional comfort of sleeping with the pet or the pursuit of a truly continuous night?
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