Sleeping with pets has its own risks.

Experts were consulted to provide insight into the widely discussed topic of sleeping with pets.

Some people believe sharing a bed with their dogs can be unhealthy, raising concerns about hygiene and the quality of one's sleep.

Sleep psychologist Shelby Harris of New York City often begins her sessions with patients struggling to sleep by inquiring about their household companions. Her clients frequently respond with a mixture of amusement and trepidation, anticipating her advice on co-sleeping with their canine friends.

Dr. Harris notes that sleeping with pets isn't always a recipe for disaster. While many people find it brings them immense joy, others may experience sleep disturbances. Identifying the pet as the culprit can be beneficial for all parties involved, he suggests.

A recent online poll involving approximately 2,000 American adults found that roughly half of respondents shared a bed with their pets. For those who co-sleep with their animals, there are several factors to weigh before making an informed decision about this practice.

According to Dr. Josh Daniels, a veterinarian and microbiologist at Colorado State University's veterinary school, pets can harbor a range of pathogens including ticks, fleas, parasites and bacteria. Sharing a bed with them amplifies exposure to these microorganisms, which can sometimes cause illness.

An 81-year-old woman from Finland was hospitalized in 1991 due to a fever and symptoms of a bacterial skin infection on her leg. The underlying cause was an ulcer between her toes, which had become infected with bacteria commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats. Her cat's habit of licking her feet and toes likely played a significant role in the transmission of this infection. A similar case occurred in 2000, involving a 69-year-old man who slept with his dog before and after undergoing hip surgeries, resulting in an infection around the surgical site. The bacterium responsible was one typically found in feline and canine mouths, transmitted through bites or scratches. Additionally, there have been instances where dog owners contracted plague, which can be spread by fleas, after sharing their beds with their pets.

Pet-borne illnesses are uncommon occurrences, yet there's still a possibility of infection if you're immunocompromised or have a compromised immune system, notes Dr. Bruno Chomel, an expert from the U.C. Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, who emphasizes that overall risk is relatively low.

When sleeping alongside pets, individuals often come into contact with ticks and fleas, according to Dr. Daniels, making it essential to implement flea and tick prevention strategies as advised by a veterinary professional. These pests can also carry diseases like Lyme illness and others of equal gravity.

Common intestinal parasites like roundworms can be eliminated through routine deworming treatments.

Pet owners should be aware that newly adopted animals and young pets are more susceptible to skin issues such as ringworm, which can be transmitted through physical contact, according to veterinarian Dr. Daniels.

Deciding to share a bed with a pet hinges on one's willingness to accept a tangible, albeit minimal, risk of contracting an illness, according to Dr. Chomel.

Research on the impact of sharing a bed with pets is relatively scarce, notes Brittany Lancaster, an expert in clinical psychology at Mississippi State University. Preliminary findings from a handful of studies indicate that co-sleeping with animals may actually exacerbate sleep difficulties.

Researchers conducted a study published in 2017, observing 40 female dog owners who donned activity trackers during sleep for seven consecutive nights. Results showed that having their dog on the bed led to reduced sleeping efficiency compared to when the dog slept elsewhere in the same room.

Research indicates that individuals may be unaware of the disturbances caused by their pets. A 2020 study involving 12 women who shared a bed with their dogs revealed that the canines significantly disrupted their owners' rest, yet the participants infrequently acknowledged these disruptions in hindsight. Interestingly, some people view their pets as having a positive impact on their sleep patterns.

Research conducted by Dr. Douglas Wallace, a sleep specialist and professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, reveals an interesting phenomenon he's observed firsthand.

The idea is that pets provide emotional comfort, potentially offsetting any adverse impact they may have on sleep patterns.

Research indicates that pets can contribute positively to our well-being, potentially enhancing sleep quality. Regular dog walking in the morning not only provides physical activity but also helps establish a consistent daily routine, which is beneficial for sound sleep.

Removing a pet from the bedroom can be an effective way to determine whether its presence is disrupting your sleep patterns. Dr. Harris suggests temporarily relocating the animal to assess any potential impact on your rest. Her stance remains neutral if no improvement is observed.

In contrast to some owners, Dr. Lancaster adopts a cautious stance when it comes to co-sleeping with her feline companions.