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The bond between humans and pets goes beyond daily companionship. Some studies show that the presence of a dog can contribute to emotional health , reducing anxiety and providing a greater sense of security. According to Carlos Lopes Figueiredo, a pulmonologist specializing in sleep, "some studies in people with chronic pain have shown that sleeping with a pet subjectively improves sleep, increasing comfort and reducing insomnia."

Additionally, dog ownership encourages physical activity, especially in older people, which in turn can contribute to better sleep hygiene. A study published in the journal Human Nature suggests that sharing a room or bed with an animal is not a modern phenomenon, but has been a common practice throughout history for comfort and protection.

Despite the benefits, there are concerns related to hygiene . Dogs that roam the streets can bring germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites into the home, which can pose a risk to the health of their owners. "There is a lot of active scientific discussion about the role of exposure to 'germs' that domestic animals bring in from the street," explains Carlos Lopes Figueiredo. "The most important thing is to maintain adequate hygiene for the animal, monitor for signs of illness and ensure regular veterinary check-ups, including vaccinations." Another relevant point is the possibility of allergies . Contact with fur and other allergens can aggravate nocturnal respiratory symptoms, especially in people with asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Sleeping with a dog can affect the quality of sleep in different ways . If the animal is calm and has sleep patterns compatible with the owner's, its presence in the bed may not cause problems. However, "whenever the presence of the pet causes sleep disruption, especially in people with sleep-related complaints, training should be considered so that the dog has an appropriate place to sleep," warns the specialist. Small dogs tend to move around more during the night , which can cause frequent awakenings. Larger dogs tend to sleep for longer periods and, therefore, may be less disruptive.

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What about cats? Here the situation is different, as felines are nocturnal and tend to be more active at night, which can result in greater disruption to the owner's sleep.

When there are babies at home , the recommendations are more restrictive. "Generally, it is recommended to limit unsupervised access of pets to the baby," says Carlos Lopes Figueiredo. There are concerns about physical safety, such as the risk of obstruction of the airways, in addition to the possibility of transmission of infections. Therefore, it is advisable for the baby to sleep without the presence of the animal in the bed .

Conclusion: yes or no? The answer is not universal. Each case must be assessed individually, considering the animal's behavior, the impact on the owner's sleep and the health conditions involved. As Carlos Lopes Figueiredo points out, "there is no scientific evidence to generally recommend not sleeping with pets". If the dog does not disturb sleep and is well cared for, sharing the bed can be a positive experience. Otherwise, it is worth considering other options to ensure quality rest for both.

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