Sleeping with dogs linked to poorer sleep

Sleeping in the same room as a dog could negatively affect your sleep quality, new research reveals.

Researchers at Trinity College recruited more than 1,500 adults who completed questionnaires assessing their sleep habits. Overall, about half of the participants reported co-sleeping with pets for at least part of the night.

The researchers compared the sleep habits of people who did and didn’t co-sleep with pets.

The results reveal that participants who co-slept with pets had poorer sleep quality and more insomnia symptoms than those who did not.

In addition, the researchers found evidence for a negative effect on sleep when co-sleeping with dogs, but no evidence for a negative effect on sleep when co-sleeping with cats.

Surprisingly, 93% of people in our study who co-slept with their pets believed that their pets had either a positive or neutral overall effect on their sleep.

Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College, said: “It probably isn’t realistic for most people to just stop co-sleeping with their pets. So, what should someone do to improve their sleep if they already share a bed with their pets?

“Some expert tips include choosing a mattress that is large enough for you and your pets, washing and changing your bedding regularly, and establishing and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine with your pets.”

The research was published in Scientific Reports.