People Who Sleep in the Same Bed as Their Pets Often Display These 10 Traits, Psychologists Say

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People Who Sleep in the Same Bed as Their Pets Often Display These 10 Traits, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade.

What’s snuggly and warm and adorable all over? A child? Sure. An intimate partner? If you’re lucky. However, we’re talking about pets right now. Furry friends can make the sweetest sleeping buddies, and if you 10/10 agree, you may have some telltale personality traits.

“Sleeping with a pet is a common practice that reflects not only comfort and companionship but also deeper psychological traits,” shares Dr. Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., a clinical and prescribing psychologist with a private practice. “People may allow their pet to share the bed for emotional support, routine, warmth or a sense of safety. But beyond logistics or affection, this choice can offer insight into personality, attachment style and even sleep behaviors.”

Dr. Kaylor has just scratched the surface. Here, she and other psychologists discuss what sleeping with a pet reveals about your personality.

10 Personality Traits of People Who Sleep in Bed With Their Pets, According to Psychologists

1. You’re comfortable with vulnerability

Some people try to hide their vulnerable sides, but pet parents who snuggle up to their furry friends at night are more likely to embrace this very human experience.

“Sleep is when we are at our most vulnerable,” explains Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. “Sleeping with another, whether that be human or pet, means that we have trust in that relationship and that we can be at our most vulnerable and still be safe and secure.”

Dr. Kaylor echoes these sentiments, adding that our pets often give us good reason to trust them.

“For many, pets provide a nonjudgmental presence, creating a sense of psychological safety that makes emotional openness easier, especially during rest,” she says.

2. You don’t get annoyed by touch easily

Pets can be snuggle monsters. Still, people who sleep with them are cool with them being on the bed rather than hiding under it like the imaginary monsters did during their childhoods.

“Bed-sharing with a pet ensures there will be increased physical contact… Pets have such poor awareness of personal space—and pet owners generally love this about their pets,” Dr. Goldman shares. “However, to be physically touched during the day and then have continued physical touch at night implies a strong tolerance for physical contact.”

3. You’re an empathetic caregiver

Sleeping with a furry companion may bring you comfort and delight, but you may have another reason for doing it that has nothing to do with your feelings.

“Allowing a pet to sleep in bed often stems from the belief that the pet also feels safer or happier there,” Dr. Kaylor says. “This speaks to an empathetic mindset—one that considers the emotional needs of others, including animals, and strives to meet them.”

Dr. Goldman agrees.

“These are people who genuinely care about their pet, want their pet to be happy and comfortable,” Dr. Goldman says.

Dr. Kaylor says these people are often nurturing and natural caretakers. However, they can drift into people-pleasing territory (or should we say pet-pleasing territory?).

“It can sometimes extend to pets stealing the covers without complaint,” she points out.

4. You form deep emotional bonds

Empathy, vulnerability and intimacy can all play into deep emotional bonds that can extend beyond the human-pet relationship.

“People who snuggle with their pets at night tend to cherish and appreciate deeper and emotionalconnections with others,” says Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, Psy.D., LPC-S, with Thriveworks.

5. You may not have great human connections

On the flipside, some people sleep with a dog or cat (or both) because they lack human companionship.

“Pet lovers may find their pet more trustworthy or interesting than people,” says Dr. Michele Leno, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele. “They want them present as they fall asleep because they can recap their day without judgment.”

6. You’re lonely

“I like dogs/cats better than people” might be a common (and true) refrain for you. That’s not inherently bad, but if you’re feeling lonely, it might be.

“Sleeping with your pet may make you feel less alone,” Dr. Leno says. “Some animals are very intuitive and make just the right gestures to help you feel noticed.”

While it’s great that you have such a loving friend, it’s OK to work with a therapist or join a club in town in an attempt to meet new people. May we suggest that you sign up to walk dogs or cuddle cats at the local shelter alongside fellow pet-loving humans?

7. You get stressed or anxious at night

If your nights are spent going through mental to-dos, you might find comfort in a pet’s company.

“For some, pets serve as living security blankets that reduce hypervigilance, especially for people with trauma histories or sleep difficulties,” Dr. Kaylor reports. “Their presence can help mitigate the physiological and psychological arousal associated with insomnia or nightmares—common among individuals with elevated stress sensitivity.”

She says that people who keep their pets in their beds despite disliking interrupted sleep may especially need to explore this potential trait.

8. You’re overprotective

No offense, but you might be a pet helicopter parent.

“Some constantly anticipate the worst happening, and this mindset extends to their pet,” Dr. Leno says. “They want to protect them even if there is no sign of trouble.”

9. You’re Type B about sleep

People who sleep with their pets may not be so rigid about their lives after dark.

“Many people who sleep with their pets exhibit a relaxed approach to structure and sleep hygiene,” Dr. Kaylor says. “While they may be aware that co-sleeping with a pet can disrupt sleep—due to movement, noise or inconsistent bedtimes—they’re willing to sacrifice optimal sleep in favor of emotional or relational comfort.”

10. You’re chill, period

You may be pretty fluid 24/7—not just at night.

“People who sleep with their pets tend to display a calmer and more relaxed demeanor.” Dr. Vaughan says.

In fact, your pet may have something to do with this trait.

“Rhythmic breathing from a pet should be considered because it promotes a sense of calm, reduces stress and can lead to a better night of sleep,” she explains.

Of course, your pet might move around or steal a blanket.

“Without compromising their own rest, these people learn how to accommodate their pet’s sleeping habits,” she continues. “People who are comfortable with these adjustments tend to be more flexible and easily adjust to other things in life, like unexpected challenges.”

When Not To Sleep With Your Pet

Many of the above may make you feel warm and fuzzy about sleeping with a pet. However, you don’t have to do it. In fact, Dr. Vaughan doesn’t recommend it if you experience:

Allergies and asthma
Sleep disruptions
Intimacy issues with a human partner

Additionally, she notes that dogs may be better off in their own sleep space if they exhibit:

Aggression, possessiveness or excessive barking in bed
Hygiene Issues like dirt or fleas
Signs they’re not getting enough sleep
Signs they would actually prefer their own bed or crate (Don’t force bed sharing!)

Remember, you’re still a good pet parent if you choose to forego co-sleeping. In fact, Dr. Kaylor loves her pets but doesn’t share a bed with them.

“Not everyone wants—or should feel pressured—to sleep with their pet, and that’s perfectly OK,” she says. “While co-sleeping with animals is often portrayed as a marker of deep emotional bonding, it’s important to remember that healthy boundaries are just as much a sign of love and responsible care. Choosing not to share your bed doesn’t mean you love your pet any less.”

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People Who Sleep in the Same Bed as Their Pets Often Display These 10 Traits, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.