There’s something uniquely comforting about sharing your bed with a furry friend. It’s a debate that splits pet owners down the middle – is it a good idea or not?

As someone who often finds a cat curled up at the foot of my bed, I’m naturally curious about the impact of this behavior. What does it say about us, the pet-loving sleepers?

According to psychology, those of us who share our sleeping space with our pets exhibit nine distinct behaviors.

Let’s get started. 

1) Deep affection for their pets

It’s no surprise that those who share their bed with a pet have a deep affection for their furry friends. But did you know that this love goes beyond the average pet-owner bond?

Psychology suggests that these individuals view their pets as an integral part of their family, rather than just a companion or a plaything. They consider their pets as more than just animals; they’re loved ones, like children or siblings.

This deep affection is not only shown by allowing the pet into their personal sleeping space but also in the way they interact with their pet on a daily basis.

If you often find yourself snuggling up to your pet in bed, chances are you’re someone who has a profound emotional connection with your animal companion. This bond is beautiful and shows your compassionate nature.

2) Difficulty with boundaries

Now, this is a behavior I can personally relate to. As someone who regularly shares the bed with my dog, I’ve noticed that I sometimes have trouble setting boundaries.

Psychology suggests that people like me, who let their pets sleep in their beds, often struggle with setting limits. It might be because of our deep affection for our pets that we tend to let them invade our personal space.

Take my case as an example. My golden retriever, Max, is allowed to jump onto my bed whenever he pleases. While I cherish those cuddly moments, it does blur the line between his space and mine. Over time, it has led to some difficulty in maintaining boundaries in other areas too.

If you often find your pet taking up more than their fair share of the bed and you can’t bring yourself to shoo them away, you might be someone who has trouble setting boundaries. It’s not a bad thing per se but being aware of it can help you manage your relationships better, both with your pets and people in your life.

3) Higher levels of stress relief

Sharing your bed with a pet can actually lead to lower stress levels. Studies have shown that the simple act of petting an animal can release ‘feel-good’ hormones in our bodies, including serotonin and oxytocin. These hormones are known to combat stress and induce feelings of relaxation and happiness.

The act of sleeping with a pet amplifies these positive effects, considering the prolonged contact and closeness. Some people even report better sleep quality when they share their bed with their pet, likely due to the feelings of safety and companionship it brings.

If you’re someone who has a pet in your bed, you’re likely benefiting from a natural and effective stress relief method. It’s not just about love and affection; it’s about well-being too!

4) Tendency to anthropomorphize

Anthropomorphism might sound like a big, complicated word, but it’s quite simple. It’s the tendency to attribute human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. In this case, our beloved pets.

Those of us who share our beds with our pets often anthropomorphize them. We believe they understand us, have emotions just like ours, and even communicate with us in their own way.

You might find yourself talking to your pet as if they were a person, understanding their different barks or meows as specific expressions of their mood or needs.

This isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, it shows your ability to empathize and connect with beings different from yourself. It’s a sign of your open-mindedness and your big heart.

5) More in tune with their pets’ needs

When you’re sharing your bed with your pet, you’re likely to be more attuned to their needs and habits. You might notice when they’re not feeling well or when they’re particularly energetic.

This comes from spending a significant amount of time in close proximity with them. It’s easier to pick up on subtle changes in their behavior, mood, or physical health.

If you often find yourself noticing when your pet is just “not themselves”, or you can tell when they’re about to have a burst of energy just by the way they move, you’re probably very tuned into their needs.

This level of understanding can help ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy, as you can more easily identify any potential issues and address them promptly. It’s another beautiful aspect of the bond between humans and their pets.

6) A sense of security

There’s something incredibly comforting about having a living, breathing creature by your side as you drift off to sleep. It gives us a sense of security that’s difficult to describe but is deeply felt.

Whether it’s the rhythmic sound of your cat purring or the warmth of your dog curled up against you, these experiences can provide a feeling of safety and tranquillity. It’s as if having them close to you gives you an added layer of protection against the world.

For those who live alone or have been through tough times, this feeling can be especially meaningful. Your pet’s presence can make the darkness feel a little less daunting and the nights a little less lonely.

7) Struggle with insomnia

Sleeping with a pet in your bed can sometimes be a sign of insomnia. I know this because I’ve experienced it myself. There were nights when the only way I could find sleep was by having my dog, Max, by my side.

Sometimes, the stress and worries of the day can make it difficult to fall asleep. And that’s where our pets come in. Their rhythmic breathing, their warmth, and the simple, unconditional love they provide can help soothe us into a peaceful slumber.

If you often find yourself struggling to fall asleep without your pet by your side, know that you’re not alone. Many pet owners experience the same thing. And while it’s great that our pets can provide such comfort, it’s also important to address any underlying causes of insomnia with a healthcare professional.

8) Increased empathy

When you share your bed with a pet, you’re engaging in a form of bonding that requires empathy. You have to consider their comfort, respect their space, and be mindful of their sleep patterns.

This practice of empathy often extends beyond just your relationship with your pet. It can make you more understanding and compassionate towards others in your life as well.

If you’re someone who often goes to the extent of adjusting your sleeping position to ensure your pet is comfortable, you’re likely a very empathetic individual. This is a wonderful trait to have, as it not only enhances your relationships with others but also contributes to a more compassionate world.

9) Stronger human-animal bond

At the heart of it all, people who sleep with their pets share a unique and incredibly strong bond with their animal companions. This bond goes beyond shared activities and routines; it’s built on mutual trust, respect, and unconditional love.

Your pet trusts you enough to share your sleeping space, a place where they are at their most vulnerable. And in return, you trust them to respect this shared space. It’s a beautiful exchange that only strengthens your relationship.

This bond is not just about companionship; it’s about a deep-rooted connection that enhances your life in many ways. It brings comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging that is hard to match. And if you ask me, that’s something truly special.