Sharing your bed with the family pet.

Pets in your bed

If you have a pet you will know how good it is to spend time with them, building memories for a lifetime. 

To some sleeping with a pet may be the accepted norm, and for others it may be a grey area. 

This article aims to bring forward 2 things. The positives and negatives of sleeping with a pet. Also, the different products you should consider if you do sleep with your pets. 

We will be using information provided by the “Sleep Foundation”, to find out more about sleep. Be sure to check out their website!

Sleeping with your pet - The Positives

For some, even sharing the bed with their significant other gives them a headache.

However, there are positive aspects of sleeping with a pet. If you have never considered it due to cleanliness and/or other hygiene reasons try to keep an open minded approach…

Mental health

Mental health and sleep go hand in hand, as proven by many specialists. 

When looking at adults, engaging with pets can increase oxytocin levels. When looking at children cortisol levels are reduced.

Now what does this have to do with mental health? 

These two hormones are linked with decreasing stress and remaining relaxed, playing an important role in maintaining a positive mental state. 

Physical health

Statistics have shown the positive impact having a pet can have on physical as well as mental health.

Animals such as cats and dogs bring different microorganisms into your surroundings. Having this exposure to different bacteria strengthens your immunity, making you less likely to fall ill. 

Pets are also linked to decreasing things such as cholesterol in your body. Furthermore, the action of petting and loving a dog can decrease blood pressures. Both of these things have positive outcomes for your heart and overall health!

Quality of Sleep

If your pet is fairly relaxed this may not be an issue. It is important to remember that pets do like to move about and can even have a different body clock to their owners. 

Constantly being woken up by your pet will cause you to have an irregular sleeping pattern, ultimately causing detrimental effects on mental and physical health over time!

Sleeping with your pet - The Drawbacks 

Sleeping with pets can bring forward some negative factors that are important to consider even if you do or do not currently share your bed with a pet. 

Quality of Sleep

If your pet is fairly relaxed this may not be an issue. It is important to remember that pets do like to move about and can even have a different body clock to their owners. 

Constantly being woken up by your pet will cause you to have an irregular sleeping pattern, ultimately causing detrimental effects on mental and physical health over time!

Cleanliness

As much as you may love your pet, they can cause a bit of mess. 

If your pet does sleep in your bed it is important the different hygiene factors that are brought forward. For example pungent smells and malting of fur. This can then cause further stress in relation to laundry etc. 

If you do love your pets though don’t let this deter you!

The best mattresses for you & your pets

For the best night’s sleep for you and your pet, having the right mattress is crucial. 

Pets such as dogs and cats have joints that differ from humans. So having their interests in mind is important when deciding your mattress. 

Ideally the best mattress for your dog will be a memory foam one. They offer the most support and comfort for both you and your dog. Our ‘3000 Sovereign Quilted Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress’ does just this and with an accessible price point too!

We hope this article has been a worthwhile read. For all things interior design be sure to follow us on Instagram!