"Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that."
How the research was carried out
The researchers analyzed 40 adults without sleep disorders and their dogs over five months.
The study's participants and their animals wore activity trackers to monitor their sleeping habits for seven nights.
Sleeping in the same room as dogs improves owner's shut eye
Results reveal sleeping in the same room as dogs helps people have a better night's shut eye, regardless of the animals' breed.
This is only true, however, if the dog is present in the bedroom, but not under the covers.
Snuggling up to animals in bed reduces sleep quality.
The findings were published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Sleeping with pets gives 'comfort and a sense of security'
Dr Krahn said: "Most people assume having pets in the bedroom is a disruption. We found that many people actually find comfort and a sense of security from sleeping with their pets.
"The relationship between people and their pets has changed over time, which is likely why many people in fact do sleep with their pets in the bedroom.
"Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that.
"And, now, pet owners can find comfort knowing it won't negatively impact their sleep.'
Babies who sleep in separate rooms from their parents get more shut eye and nod off quicker
Babies who sleep in separate rooms from their parents have earlier bedtimes, take less time to nod off and get more shut eye, research revealed earlier this month.
They are also less likely to require feeding at night, a study found.
Parents of such babies find bedtime less difficult and report sleeping better themselves, the research adds.
Lead author Dr Jodi Mindell from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said: "One main reason is that they are more likely to self-soothe to sleep."
This contradicts guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months to reduce their risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
