Voices: Utahns love their pets. But your animals could be coming between you and a good night’s sleep.

As a sleep researcher, clinician and book author who specializes in couples and sleep, I am frequently asked whether it is “bad” for couples to sleep in separate beds. Underlying this question is often an implicit request for reassurance, even permission, to pursue what’s sometimes called a “sleep divorce” for the sake of health and well-being. When I explain that separate beds can sometimes be an adaptive, healthy solution for partners struggling with mismatched sleep needs or disruptive nocturnal habits, most people are surprisingly receptive.

However, the conversation takes a notable turn if I gently suggest that the owners might sleep better if the family pet had its own bed. Suddenly, resistance surfaces in a way it rarely does with discussions about human partners. In many households, sharing a bed with a dog or cat is a deeply cherished ritual, one that can be hard to challenge.

National survey data reveal that nearly half of pet owners share their beds with their animals. And Utah, in particular, ranks among the top states for pet ownership, with 58.5% of households owning a pet, well above the national average.

There’s a profound sense of comfort in the companionship pets provide at night. The presence of a pet at night can fulfill very real psychological needs for safety, comfort and connection — a legacy that is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history.

Yet, it’s important to acknowledge the scientific evidence that shows there are real trade-offs when it comes to sharing a bed with a pet — and that trade-off is good quality sleep. About one-third of Americans “always or often” experience sleep disruption due to their pets. Pets can introduce dander and allergens into the sleep environment, which can affect everyone in the bed — not just those with allergies.

Dogs and cats also have sleep patterns that don’t align with our own: dogs may kick, twitch or vocalize during dreams, and cats are often most active during the early morning hours. These differences can result in fragmented sleep for human bed partners. Additionally, having multiple bodies in a room can alter air quality, raising carbon dioxide levels and potentially impacting sleep quality and next-day functioning.

For those who are determined to keep pets in the room while also prioritizing better sleep, there are practical steps that can help:

Increase space.

Consider a larger bed to decrease disturbances from movement.

Designate a separate sleep area for the pet.

Setting up a comfortable bed for your pet adjacent to your own can strike a compromise between togetherness and improved sleep.

Improve air quality.

Use HEPA filtration and maintain clean bedding to minimize allergens.

Adjust timing.

Some families allow pets on the bed for part of the night, or invite them up only in the mornings, balancing closeness with restorative sleep.

Here’s an important side note, however: When it comes to children, the equation changes. While parents often worry that pet co-sleeping will harm their child’s sleep, some research suggests that children and adolescents who sleep with pets do not experience poorer sleep quality. In fact, many report feeling safer and more secure, which may reduce nighttime anxiety and support falling asleep.

Ultimately, the decision about who to share a bed with — partner, pet or both — is highly individual. The science is clear that pets can disrupt sleep, but the emotional comfort they provide can be deeply meaningful, especially for children.

As in so many aspects of sleep, the goal is to find a balance that supports both physical rest and emotional well-being. As a sleep researcher and advocate for evidence-based choices, I encourage individuals and families to make informed decisions that reflect both their health needs and their values. The path to good sleep is rarely about rigid rules or prescriptions, but rather about finding routines — and companions — that allow each of us to feel secure, rested and restored.

Wendy Troxel is a senior behavioral and social scientist at RAND, an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Utah, and author of “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep.”

The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.