Rabat — Pet owners often cherish bedtime moments when their animals curl up beside them, finding comfort and a sense of security in their presence.

Cats, dogs and other animal companions are increasingly seen as members of the family, with many pet guardians sharing much of their daily lives with them.

That companionship can extend into quieter, more intimate moments, including bedtime, when the mind finally slows down after a long day. The warmth and familiar presence of a pet can make the bed feel even more comfortable.

When comfort meets emotional regulation

One possible explanation for this feeling of comfort is emotional regulation. Feeling safe and supported can reduce negative emotional arousal, helping people relax before sleep.

According to a research article published by CABI Digital Library in 2023, researchers Kayla Medlin and Lauren Wisnieski say that a pet’s presence makes their guardian feel calmer and more secure. Waking up with a familiar companion beside them also contributes to positive feelings, which may shape how they perceive the quality of their sleep.

The bond between humans and animals has been widely studied. Research shows that interactions with pets can support emotional well-being.

The trade-off behind the snuggles

Unfortunately, sleeping beside a pet is not always as peaceful as it seems.

The research conducted by Medlin and Wisnieski suggests that while pet guardians may feel that they sleep better with their animals nearby, physiological measures can sometimes show more fragmented sleep when pets share the bed.

In one study published in the journal “Animals” on PubMed Central, the researchers used a wristwatch-like device to measure people’s movements during the night while they slept with their pets. The findings suggested that, despite people reporting that they slept well, their sleep could be more disrupted.

Co-sleeping may therefore affect not only the human’s sleep, but also the animal’s. However, these effects are not necessarily the same for everyone and may vary depending on multiple factors.

Rethinking the “good or bad” debate

Sleeping with a pet can be both comforting and disruptive at the same time.

It is important to remember that our perception of sleep does not always reflect what happens in the body. A person may wake up feeling rested while their sleep was still interrupted throughout the night.

A good understanding of co-sleeping with pets can therefore help us see how the habit shapes our emotional well-being, sleeping patterns and everyday experiences.

Rather than asking whether sleeping with a pet is simply beneficial or harmful, perhaps the better question is: are you prioritizing emotional comfort or uninterrupted sleep?

For pet guardians, recognizing that trade-off can help them decide what works best for both themselves and their animals.