Sharing a bed with a pet can offer benefits for both humans and animals, experts say. Pets who sleep with their owners often develop stronger bonds and experience boosts in feel-good hormones like oxytocin. While traditionally discouraged due to potential sleep disruptions like movement and barking, recent research shows that for some, especially those with depression or anxiety, sleeping with a pet can provide psychological comfort and improve sleep quality.

Studies from the Mayo Clinic suggest that many pet owners find their pets unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep. However, movement or snoring can lead to sleep fragmentation, increasing cortisol levels and worsening sleep. Individuals with insomnia, sleep apnea, asthma, or allergies are advised to avoid co-sleeping with pets, as allergens and disturbances can severely impact sleep quality and health."Hi, I'm Norbert. I'm almost 2 years old. I'm a pot-bellied pig, but I think I'm a person, so I sleep on the bed with the other humans. I have my own Instagram, too!"

Experts recommend trial periods before making co-sleeping permanent and suggest considering the pet&rsquos behavior&mdashyoung, anxious, or exotic pets may be better off in designated safe spaces like kennels. Ultimately, whether co-sleeping benefits or harms depends on individual circumstances and both human and pet health needs.