There’s no debate on whether Brits love their pets or not, but the topic of letting them stay in your bed at night is one that always seems to cause a mixed reaction.
With National Love Your Pet Day, / with National Love Your Pet Day being around the corner (20th February 2023) new research from Dreams shows that the population is becoming more open to the idea of sleeping with their pets.
The recent sleep study of 15,000 Brits, carried out by Dreams, found that there has been an 18% increase (vs. 2016) in the percentage of people who allow their pets into their beds at night, and a 33% increase in the percentage of people who would prefer to share their bed with a pet than a partner!
The good news is that sleeping with pets can actually provide plenty of benefits. Dreams Sleep Expert, Sammy Margo, shares that “sleeping with your pets can reduce anxiety by lowering blood pressure and releasing melatonin, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm and synchronize the sleep-wake cycle with night and day.
“It can also help encourage routine, pets often have daily routines, meaning it could help you stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time. It’s also been proven to reduce nightmares: some dogs can be trained to aid nightmares because they can recognise your physical symptoms. If they are taught, they’ll respond to your symptoms by lying on your body, which will soothe you back to sleep.”
So, how exactly do you share a bed with your pets safely? Sammy Margo shares her three tips:
- Take them outside before bed: make sure they have been outside for the toilet so that they’re comfortable for the night. This will reduce the risk of accidents in the bedroom and them waking you up at night to ask to go out.
- Keep them clean: if you’re going to share a bed with your pet, it’s important to stay on top of their grooming. Make sure that they are clean and dry before getting on your bed, and be vigilant for unwanted pests. As well as regular flea and tick treatments, check your pet’s fur, feet, and ears for any stowaways they may have picked up when outside. You should also try and wash your bedsheets at least twice a week if your pets sleep on them. This will ensure you’re getting rid of dead skin cells, dust mites, germs and even bedbugs. Regular mattress cleaning will help extend the lifespan and also provides a hygienic and safe place to sleep for you and your pet.
The Dreams Anti-Allergy Duvets are perfect for those who suffer from any allergies, or respiratory and skin conditions, but want their pets in bed with them. These premium anti-allergy filling duvets are embossed with microfibre which allows for an irritation free sleep.
- Set boundaries: this one will take some work but it’s important. Try to establish a routine and understand exactly how you will share the bed. For example, encourage your dog to sleep near the foot of the bed as they will have plenty of space and they will be less likely to disturb your slumber.
