Decoding the bedtime bond: New research uncovers co-sleeping's impact on owners and pets

Guest Blog

Petplan research reveals how sharing the bed affects both owners and pets - from comfort and security to interrupted sleep and over-bonding

• More than a third (37%) of UK pet owners co-sleep with their dog or cat every night.

• Women are more likely than men (44% versus 26%) to co-sleep with their pets every night.

• Dog owners are much more likely than cat owners (47% versus 37%) to sleep in the same bed as their pet ‘every night’.

For many pet owners, the unconditional love and companionship of their furry friends extends beyond the living room and garden, often right into the bedroom. But how does co-sleeping with pets affect our daily lives? And is this really what’s best for them?

Petplan surveyed 1,000 UK cat and dog owners to explore the nation's pet co-sleeping habits. Drawing on these results, alongside expert insights from a sleep specialist and Petplan's own Behaviourist Expert, the study revealed how sharing a bed with pets impacts more than just our sleep.

What are the benefits of co-sleeping with our pets?

87% of pet owners surveyed reported a positive experience when co-sleeping with their pet. In fact, 1 in 9 cat owners – and 1 in 7 dog owners – went as far as to say their sleep was negatively impacted when not sharing the bed with their pet.

When looking deeper into these results, the predominant emotion pet owners reported when co-sleeping with their dog or cat was ‘comfort’ (53%). This was closely followed by ‘feelings of calm’ (48%), whilst ‘emotional security’ and ‘positive mental health’ tied in third position (40%).

Petplan veterinary expert Dr Brian Faulkner, shares:

“Although a cat's purr is not directly linked to a specific heart rate, its sound has a calming effect that can lower a human's heart rate and blood pressure. When a cat purrs, it can trigger the release of oxytocin – the feel good hormone - in humans, helping boost happiness and reduce stress. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone) and ultimately lower blood pressure and heart rate.”

Is co-sleeping good for your pet?

Despite this positive feedback from the UK’s pet owners, it’s important to consider the impact that co-sleeping may have on our pets.

Nick Jones, MA Behaviourist Expert at Petplan comments:

“For many well-adjusted dogs, co-sleeping works well, but it’s worth being mindful of potential downsides, such as ‘over-bonding’. This can sometimes contribute to over-reliance or separation anxiety if your dog struggles when left alone. The key is striking a sensible balance that allows closeness while still encouraging independence.

“You should also create a designated spot in your home where your dog can retreat to without being disturbed. This will act as their safe space. Choose a corner in your home that doesn’t receive too much foot traffic, or an area where you can unwind with your dog in the evenings whilst maintaining a comfortable space between you both.”

How does co-sleeping with pets affect our everyday lives?

88% of cat owners and 85% of dog owners admitted they’ve been woken up at night by their pets. And once they’re awake, a quarter of these pet owners shared that it takes them over 20-minutes to fall back to sleep.

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, Physiologist and Sleep Expert highlights why it’s important to get a good night’s rest:

“Your sleep latency is a good measure of whether you are well rested and getting good quality sleep. For most healthy individuals, the time it takes to fall asleep is typically between 10 and 20 minutes.”

Signs you’re not getting a good night’s sleep include:

• Difficulty waking up or falling asleep

• Not feeling well-rested when you wake up

• Feeling tired, sleepy, or drowsy during the day

• Reduced performance or trouble focusing at school, work, or sports

• Excessive reliance on caffeine

Dr Nerina adds:

“Night time disruption can be an issue so it’s a good idea to walk the dog in the evening to minimise this factor. If the pet owner tends to overheat at night, again I suggest keeping the pet in a separate bed or basket rather than having them in the bed.”

Pets aren’t the only reason we’re waking up at night

There are several factors keeping us awake at night. Petplan’s survey revealed that excessive room temperatures is the leading cause of disturbed sleep (44%), followed by stress and anxiety (35%). However, several pet-related disturbances also made the list, with ‘pet moving’ taking a notable spot in third position (32%).

While some disturbances are minor, unexpected pet health issues or behavioural changes can also disrupt sleep, cause worry and financial stress. Having the right pet insurance in place to cover the cost of vet bills and help you get your pet the best care can provide peace of mind.