Why letting your dog sleep in bed with you can improve mental health

Every night around Australia, millions of cats and dogs are tucked in bed with their humans. And according to experts, that’s not a bad thing.

Sleeping next to your pet in bed can help improve mental health and reduce stress, animal experts say.

The latest data shows around half of all dog and cat owners allow their “fur babies” to share their beds at night, while companionship is the leading reason for becoming a pet parent.

Central Coast dog behaviourist, Karen Barrett, says there is no problem inviting the dog up on the bed for “cuddles and love” as long as it understands their owner is the “leader” of the household.

Brooke Mitchell has found luna a comfort during lockdown. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“If the dog is sleeping on your head, they think they are higher up than you and this is a problem. But, by lying next to you, there is an oxytocin release that encourages us to cuddle up together. It’s also a basic genetic survival instinct,” Ms Barrett said.

“When you’ve got single or elderly people, whose partners have passed, having a dog that sleeps on the bed is comforting.”

Brooke Mitchell and her dog Luna at home. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Avid Sydney pet parent Brooke Mitchell admits that snuggling her seven-year-old Jack Russell, Lunar, every night is “really comforting and calming” especially living alone during lockdown.

“Lunar has her own bed, but she sleeps with me more often than not. She is super cuddly and loves spending time with me, so it was never something that I discouraged her from doing,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This is probably the case for most pet owners – we enjoy spending time with them, just as much as they love spending time with us.”

Thomas Derricott-Yap from the pet sitting business Mad Paws said the benefits of “co-sleeping” with your dog in bed goes both ways to provide a “sense of comfort and security”.

“Just like humans, pets need regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a good night sleep to improve their mental health and keep stress levels at bay,” Mr Derricott-Yap said.

“For owners, having a pet around is calming, and knowing that they are safe and warm certainly can help someone fall asleep faster.”

Originally published as Why letting your dog sleep in bed with you can improve mental health