The truth is here. Is it ok to let Fido sleep with you?

Americans, in general, love to cuddle up in bed with their pets.

But despite its commonality, sleeping with pets is often regarded as a major disruption to sleep. If you value your shut eye, and want to actually get some quality rest at night, it’s best to banish your pets from the bedroom — or so the prevailing dogma goes.

Many Pet Owners Say They Sleep Better With Their Pets
Far from being a disturbance, a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed that 41 percent of pet owners perceived their pets as unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep.

Some people even said that part of the reason they acquired a dog or cat in the first place was to help them relax at night, and this was especially true for single people or people whose partners often traveled or worked at night.”

A dog or cat in your bed can provide companionship and a sense of security, the latter of which may help soothe a child who’s afraid of the dark. In the winter, you and your pet can keep each other warm, and a dog in your bed can act as an alarm against potential intruders.

More Than Half of Pet Owners Say Their Pets Disrupt Their Sleep 
Not everyone has a blissful night’s sleep next to his or her pets. In one study, more than half (53 percent) of pet owners said their pets disrupted their sleep at night. The Mayo Clinic Proceedings study also found that 20 percent of pet owners found their pets to be disruptive to their sleep.

Dogs Wake Frequently During the Night
Dogs can be problematic too, even though they’re not nocturnal like cats. Not only do they dream like you do, including potentially “running” or barking in their sleep, but dogs also tend to wake up often during the night and nest.

Tips for a More Restful Night’s Sleep With Your Pet
If you allow your pet to share your bed (or even your bedroom), you should set up some ‘ground rules.’ If your cat wants to have a play session at 3 a.m. and you indulge her, you can expect her to wake you up again the next night — and likewise if your dog begs for food at midnight.

There are some proactive solutions you can take to avoid situations such as these, including making sure your cat gets ample playtime during the day, and moving your dog’s dinnertime (and last potty trip) a bit later to sustain him overnight.

Do You Want Your Bedroom Back?

This can be done, although it will take some persistence, especially if you’ve been sharing your bed with a cat. Here’s how:

If your pet is a dog:

Invest in a good-quality, non-toxic (organic) dog bed and place it at the side or foot of your bed. And pillows, blankets and special nighttime toys as you see fit.

Remember: reinforcing good behavior is how dogs learn. Give your pup no attention while he’s on your bed; lavish attention on him when he is on his own bed on the floor.

Consider placing pillows where he would normally position himself, making it less convenient to find a comfy spot if he jumps up to try and settle in.

Well there you have it! The truth is, if you don't mind giving your pet some extra room, it's not entirely bad of your health. Whether you want your bedroom to yourself or don't mind sharing your sleeping space, this information will help you get the best night's sleep no matter what.

For more information on this and other bedtime tips, be sure to check out Healthy Pets.