Should You Sleep With Your Dog? Science Says. . . Maybe?

Do you let your dog share your bed? You’re not alone — more than half of U.S. dog owners do the same. But while curling up with your canine may bring comfort, the real question is: does it help or hurt your sleep?

Sleep researchers have been exploring just that. And the short answer? It depends — on your gender, your pet’s species, and your personal sleep style.

We’d come across numerous TikTok and Instagram posts that highlight the tendencies for women to sleep better with dogs, while men sleep better with their partner.  Let’s find out what studies have really found on the topic.

What the Research Shows

Studies on pet co-sleeping have analyzed everything from sleep efficiency (how long you stay asleep) to mental health, using well-established tools like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Key findings include:

• Women who sleep with dogs tend to report better sleep quality, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and a stronger sense of safety and emotional comfort.  We did note that this information did tend to be generalized as a few studies showed no difference at all for women. 
• Men show more mixed results, sometimes noting more disrupted sleep or lower sleep efficiency when a dog shares the bed.  General results did tend to show that men slept better sharing space with their partner.
• Cats, charming as they are, are more likely to be disruptive sleep partners — thanks to their nocturnal tendencies, sudden movements, or early morning wake-up calls.

This doesn’t mean one pet is “better” than the other, studies simply highlight how species behavior and human sensitivity to sleep disruptions interact.

Mental Health + Sleep = Deep Connection

Better sleep is linked to better mental health, and vice versa. In several studies, women who co-slept with dogs reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, possibly because dogs provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness at night.

That said, researchers are quick to point out these are correlations, not causes. It’s unclear whether dogs improve mental health in relation to sleeping beside them — or if people with existing stress or anxiety are more drawn to co-sleeping with pets.

What About Sharing the Bed With a Partner and a Pet?

If you’re juggling a human partner and a four-legged one in bed, you’re not alone — and you’re probably negotiating for space.

While dogs may occasionally disrupt sleep by moving, snoring, or shifting positions, studies show they’re generally less disruptive than cats, and in many cases, less disruptive than a restless partner!

The important part is communication — between you and your human partner, and, well… as much as your dog will allow.

The Takeaway

If you’re a woman sleeping with a dog, research suggests it might help you sleep better and feel safer.

Men should check in with themselves: is your pup a comfort or a distraction?

Cat parents may want to set some nighttime boundaries — or at least invest in some blackout curtains and earplugs.

What it All Means

Everyone sleeps differently, no matter if it comes down to your preference of hot vs. cold, with your pet vs. solo, what type of firmness you prefer or what your schedule is.  Studies and their findings assess a general curve for sleep so there’s no reason to change your habits unless you want to. 

Ultimately, your best sleep setup is the one that works for you. If you’re waking up tired, it may be time to evaluate who — or what — is sharing your space.