Nothing beats the cozy moment when your furry companion hops onto the bed, snuggles up for warmth, and lulls you with its gentle purring. Many of us leave our bedroom doors open to welcome this affection. But as we doze off, phase two begins: your pet stirs, stretches, heads to the litter box, and returns—sometimes stepping on you in the process, making it hard to resettle.
A recent study from a sleep clinic in Arizona explored how sharing your bed with a pet impacts sleep quality. Researchers surveyed 150 patients, 64 of whom owned one or more pets, with over half allowing pets in their bedrooms at night. Findings showed 31 participants felt this nighttime companionship provided security and relaxation, while 15 reported disruptions. Cats, in particular, tend to be more active at night.
Commenting on the study, veterinarian Jean-Yves Gauchet offers perspective: "The owner still comes out ahead, even if woken by their cat in the night," he notes, adding that "the cat has helped its owner fall asleep peacefully."
> Read also: Dogs, cats… how they boost our health
