There are many additional benefits to co-sleeping according to American Pet Products Association (APPA).

• The reason many people, especially singles, adopt a dog in the first place is for safety. With a dog by your side, you are not alone and feel comforted.
• Warmth. Any cuddle bugs know on a cold night snuggling up with a partner or pet provides an increase in body temperature. And with dogs, they are about 3-6 degree warmer compared to humans. Think of your dog as a portable electric blanket.
• A report in Sleep Review found the rhythmic breathing of their dog helped with insomnia. The presence of a dog in the life of an individual going through a stressful time promotes comfort and safety. This translates into insomnia cases as well.
• For many, the unconditional love of a dog helps patients with mild cases of depression to the point that their pet stays by their side at all times in the house including the bedroom. A consistent presence of affection from a dog is sometimes a good starting point for those dealing with depression symptoms.
• The emotional bond between a dog and their human can be inseparable. If a child in the house becomes the co-sleeper, they normally will be the favorite child as the dog feels safe and comforted in their presence. Same goes for any co-sleeper.

There are a few tips and tricks to sleeping with your dog permanently by your side. And if it does not work, a crate or bed on the floor may do the trick to keep your bond but get more room in bed.

1. Invest in a mattress that doesn’t bounce too much when changing positions. This can ensure more sleep from you if your dog is restless.
2. Establish a routine. Make certain your dog understands the bedroom is for sleeping especially the bed itself if co-sleeping.
3. Do not engage in play. If your dog wakes up at night and tries to nudge you awake, resist playing or engaging. This can throw off their sleep schedule and may become a common occurrence where submissiveness is the owner versus the dog.
4. Stay consistent. Do not sleep with your pet one night and then lock them in a crate in the kitchen the next. Their sleep patterns will adjust to yours if you start day one with the routine you prefer.
5. Think about a crate or a bed. Depending on the size of your pet, maybe you need the bed itself but want your dog close by. A crate next to your bed could do the trick if you are trying to wean your dog from the bed. A special bed or pillow can help as well.

Whether you are for or against co-sleeping in the bed or in the bedroom, dogs still need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day with puppies sleeping 20 hours per day on average. Though it all depends on the breed and size, only 10 percent of a dog’s sleep is in REM unlike humans where 25 percent of sleep is REM.

If you need help getting the quality AND quantity sleep you need, call Alaska Sleep Clinic.  We are the most comprehensive sleep clinic in the state, with labs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Soldotna and Wasilla all doing sleep studies on newborns up to seniors. Improve Your Sleep.  Improve Your Life.