For many pet owners, sleeping with their beloved four-legged friend is more than a daily habit! However, wonderful as the feeling of warmth and companionship that this habit offers may be, the need to adapt should not be overlooked, so that the quality of your sleep, proper hygiene and the lifespan of your mattress are not affected.
What sleeping with a pet offers
First of all, we should stress that the benefits of sleeping with a pet are many and have a significant effect on the emotional mechanisms we have as human beings. Research shows that such a habit can have a decisive effect in reducing anxiety, limiting the feeling of loneliness and strengthening the sense of security, since while relaxing with them, their heartbeat synchronises with and regulates our own heart rate, especially after a tiring day.
What should I look out for when I sleep with my pet
• Position in the bed: Although the emotional bond with pets is undeniable, sharing your bed with them requires adjustment, just as we would when sharing the bed with another person! Pets' movements at night or changes in their position can be sudden and frequent, disturbing the comfort of both. For this reason, try to encourage them to sleep in a specific spot on the bed or to have their own comfortable corner on the floor nearby, establishing a convenient sleep routine for everyone.
• Ensuring hygiene and cleanliness: All animals can carry allergens, hair or dust into the bed. Regular grooming, such as brushing and bathing your four-legged friends, as well as frequent washing of your sheets, is essential for a clean sleeping environment. At the same time, investing in a protective, waterproof or even hypoallergenic mattress cover can also protect it from stains or odours. We also do not forget regular veterinary check-ups, making sure the animal is free of germs and microorganisms!
• The size and characteristics of the mattress: If your mattress seems too small or sags because of your pet's weight, you may need to invest in a larger mattress, such as a king size mattress, or one with high motion absorption. Mattresses made of memory foam or hybrid technology are ideal for such a case. We should not overlook that for larger or heavier pets, combining the mattress with an ergonomic bed can offer even greater support and high levels of comfort.
Smart tips that you need to know when you sleep with your pet!
• Trimming your pet's nails can also prevent any scratches on your sheets or mattress.
• Make sure to rotate the mattress periodically, to avoid uneven wear caused by your pet's habit of sleeping in one particular spot.
• Clean regularly, not only the mattress but the whole bedroom, to remove accumulated hair and allergens.
• Give your pet a specific blanket or sheet that is easy to wash.
Making the right mattress choice
Sleeping with your pets is a personal decision linked to your lifestyle and sleep habits. If you love your pet's company while you sleep, but have difficulty enjoying it as you would like, small changes like the ones above can provide practical solutions and make this habit easier and more enjoyable for a long time.
Visit the collections of ORION Strom today and discover an innovative range of mattresses, beds and sleep accessories, with advanced features, quality materials, durable construction and great adaptability to your needs, and secure the comfort you need for a delightful sleep alongside your pet!
Sources
1. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “How Pets Affect Sleep Quality.” American Academy of Sleep Medicine, (www.aasm.org). Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Healthy Pets, Healthy People.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets). Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
3. Sleep Foundation. “The Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Pets.” Sleep Foundation, (https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/sleeping-with-pets). Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
4. “The Impact of Pets on Human Health and Sleep.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 91, no. 8, 2016, pp. 1021–1030. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
5. National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep and Animals.” National Sleep Foundation,(https://www.sleepfoundation.org). Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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