For some pet guardians, their pets are present in their lives from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed.

This happens because cats, dogs and other companion animals are increasingly perceived as family members. I’m not talking about the distant cousin, for example, but the ones who really take part in our everyday lives.

In some cases, this includes quieter, more intimate moments, like bedtime. Sleeping with your cat or dog can feel comforting, even essential.

In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, almost half — 46 per cent — of respondents sleep in the same bed with a pet. As a clinical researcher that focuses on the interactions between pet owners and their animals, I work with many people who describe a close relationship with their pets and share a variety of moments with them.

The benefits of this bond is supported by science. Research shows daily interactions with pets can enhance well-being.

But research also suggests any potential benefits to sleeping next to a beloved pet aren’t straightforward: it can feel comforting even as it may quietly disrupt sleep quality.

The emotional logic of co-sleeping with pets

The impact of co-sleeping can be measured through self-reports and questionnaires, as well as with objective tools, like wristwatches that measure what’s happening physiologically during the night.

In studies........

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