Pets in Bed: Good or Bad for Sleep?

Thu Feb 05 2026

Lifestyle

There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with your furry friend at the end of a long day. But when your pet climbs into bed with you at night, many people wonder: is this helping or hurting your sleep? From warm cuddles to unexpected disruptions, pets in bed bring both comfort and complications.

Whether you’re a proud pet parent of a dog, cat, or other animal companion, this guide will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of letting pets share your sleep space, and offer smart alternatives that help everyone sleep better.

Why Sharing Your Bed With a Pet Feels Good

For many pet owners, inviting a pet into bed isn’t just cute, it feels comforting. Here’s why some people enjoy sleeping with their pets:

Extra Warmth and Comfort

Furry bodies can boost warmth under the covers, creating a cozy sleep environment, especially in cooler seasons.

Emotional Comfort

Many people find reassurance in having their pet close. For some, that sense of companionship can make bedtime feel more relaxing and secure.

Bonding Time

Sharing sleep space with your pet can strengthen your emotional bond. Nights with a pet in bed can feel like quality time after a busy day.

How Pets in Bed Can Disrupt Your Sleep

While sleeping with pets has its charms, it’s not always peaceful. Some common sleep challenges include:

Movement and Noise

Pets shift positions, stretch, scratch, or make little noises that can interrupt sleep, especially during light sleep stages.

Space Limitations

Even a small dog or cat can take up a surprising amount of space, which may make you feel crowded or restrict your movement during the night.

Temperature Changes

Pets cuddle close to stay warm, but that added heat can sometimes make your sleep environment too warm, especially if you prefer a cool bedroom.

Sleep Position Adjustments

If your pet settles near your legs, torso, or pillow area, you may unconsciously shift throughout the night to avoid discomfort, which can reduce sleep quality.

Who Might Benefit Most From Pets in Bed (and Who Might Not)

Good Fit for Bedtime Buddies

People who sleep lightly and feel calm with company
Individuals who enjoy the comfort of a pet’s presence
Households where pets naturally relax and stay still at night

Challenging Fit for Bedtime Buddies

Anyone who moves a lot during sleep
People who wake easily from noises or movement
Sleepers who share the bed with a partner who dislikes pets in bed

Your own sleep patterns and preferences will play a big role in whether pets help or hurt your rest.

Tips for Better Sleep With a Pet in Bed

If you love cuddling with your pet at night but want to protect your sleep, try these practical tips:

1. Create a Cozy Space Near Your Bed

Designate a spot next to your bed with a comfy blanket or pet bed so your furry friend feels welcomed but not on top of you.

2. Train “Settling Down” Behavior

Encourage your pet to lie in a particular spot before bedtime. You can reward them when they stay in place for longer periods.

3. Use Bedroom Accessories for Comfort

Enhance your sleep setup with supportive solutions:

Upgrade your mattress for better pressure relief and motion control: explore mattresses that suit your comfort style.
Add soft layers with quality bed linens and breathable accessories.
Choose pillows that support restful positions, shop pillows for better neck and head support.

Pro Tip: A slightly larger mattress can give both you and your pet extra space without feeling crowded.

4. Establish a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Routine

Set a calming bedtime ritual for both you and your pet. Soft lighting, gentle petting, or quiet play before lights-out can help your pet wind down.

Alternatives to Letting Pets Sleep in Your Bed

Not everyone finds that pets in bed improve sleep, and that’s okay. If you prefer a pet-free sleep space, try one of these ideas:

Create a Pet Sleep Zone

Arrange a dedicated spot in the bedroom with a cozy pet mattress or blanket next to your bed. This keeps your pet close without compromising your sleep space.

Use Soothing Sounds

A white noise machine or calming playlist can help both you and your pet fall asleep without needing close physical contact.

Play and Exercise Before Bed

Give your pet a chance to burn off energy before bedtime. A tired pet is more likely to relax quietly in their own space.

How Bedroom Setup Affects Sleep With Pets

Your bedroom layout and sleep accessories can make a big difference in how well you and your pet sleep together:

Mattress Matters

A mattress with good motion-absorption and support can help minimize disturbances when your pet shifts positions at night. Check out the wide selection of supportive mattresses to find one that matches your sleep needs.

Right Bedding & Linens

Comfortable bedding can help maintain temperature balance and improve overall coziness, explore bed linens that fit your sleep environment and seasonal needs.

Pillow Choices for Alignment

Quality pillows support your head and neck whether your pet sleeps at your feet or beside you.

These thoughtful adjustments help create a peaceful sleep space for everyone.

Do Pets Carry Bed Bugs?

A common concern for pet owners who share their bed is whether animals can bring unwanted hitchhikers with them. This often leads to questions like “do dogs carry bed bugs?” or “do cats carry bed bugs?”. The short answer is nuanced, and understanding it can bring some peace of mind.

Do Dogs Carry Bed Bugs?

Dogs do not naturally carry bed bugs the way they might carry fleas or ticks. Bed bugs prefer to live in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, furniture, and nearby cracks or seams, not on fur. However, dogs can accidentally transport bed bugs if they brush against an infested surface, such as a couch, carpet, or guest room.

In these cases, bed bugs may temporarily cling to a dog’s collar, blanket, or bedding, but they do not live on dogs or treat them as hosts.

Do Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

The same applies to cats. Do cats carry bed bugs? Not in the traditional sense. Cats are not hosts for bed bugs, and the insects don’t live in fur. That said, cats can unknowingly move bed bugs from one area of the home to another if they sleep or lounge near an infested spot.

Because cats tend to jump onto beds, dressers, and furniture, this movement can make bed bugs appear to “spread,” even though the insects are actually traveling via objects or surfaces, not the pet itself.

Why Pets Often Get Blamed

Pets are often blamed simply because they move freely between rooms and furniture. When bed bugs are discovered, it can feel like pets are the source, when in reality the bugs were already present in the environment.

How to Reduce the Risk

If pets sleep in your bed, a few practical habits can help:

Wash pet bedding regularly
Keep sleeping areas clean and clutter-free
Use mattress protectors and washable bed linens
Regularly inspect seams, headboards, and nearby furniture

These steps help maintain a clean sleep space for both you and your pet.

When Pets in Bed May Not Be the Best Idea

If you find yourself consistently waking up during the night, feeling stiff in the morning, or needing to shift constantly to accommodate your pet’s movements, you might consider keeping your sleep space for humans only.

Sometimes even temporary separation, such as training your pet to sleep beside the bed initially, can lead to better rest without losing the comfort of being nearby.

Every household is different, so don’t be afraid to try a few approaches to see what works best.

Foster the Right Sleep Environment for You at Bedzzz Express

Sleep is an essential part of feeling your best, and your sleep setup plays a big role in whether nights are truly restful. At Bedzzz Express, we offer a wide range of supportive mattresses and cozy bedroom solutions to help you and your pets find comfort all night long.

Enhance your sleep space with plush bed linens and supportive pillows, or explore other bedroom accessories that add function and comfort to your nighttime routine, such as mattress toppers, protectors, and more. We offer a full selection of products from top brands in the industry and personalized expert insights to ensure you find the solutions you need.

Visit one of our mattress showrooms near you in Alabama, or shop online to start building your ideal sleep environment today.

FAQs: Pets in Bed: Good or Bad for Sleep?

Do pets in bed help you fall asleep faster?

For many people, the comfort and companionship of a pet can help them relax at bedtime, which may make falling asleep easier.

Can pets disrupt your sleep cycle?

Pets may move or adjust positions during the night, which can sometimes lead to brief awakenings or lighter sleep, especially for light sleepers.

Is a big mattress better when sleeping with pets?

Yes. A larger mattress gives both you and your pet more space, reducing crowding and helping you sleep more comfortably. Explore our selection of mattresses to find the size and feel that works best.

Should I keep my pet on the bed all night?

It depends on both your sleep preferences and your pet’s behavior. Some pets sleep calmly throughout the night, while others move around and may disturb sleep.

How can I transition my pet to sleep near my bed instead of in it?

Try creating a cozy pet sleep zone next to your mattress, offer positive reinforcement, and use familiar bedding so your pet associates the new spot with comfort.