If your pet is not disrupting your sleep and waking you up throughout the night, you could argue there are several benefits for letting them sleep with you. Since so many people love their pets and find comfort from their presence, you may even sleep better with them near you.

Research and subjective human experience suggest sleeping with a pet can provide a variety of benefits. If you do decide to sleep with your pet, try these tips to help your shared sleeping experience go smoothly: If you do decide to sleep with your pet, try these tips to help your shared sleeping experience go smoothly:

1. Sleep deprivation

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may experience various physical and mental issues. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even cancer. A study published in the journal “Current Opinion in Psychiatry” showed that people who slept less than five hours per night were twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to those who got seven hours of sleep.

2. Stress

Stress affects our body in many ways. When we feel stressed out, our bodies release hormones that make us feel anxious and nervous. These hormones affect our immune system, causing inflammation and making us more vulnerable to illness. If you have pets at home, they can help reduce your stress levels. Studies show that having a dog or cat around can lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol levels.

3. Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental illnesses. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorder. Having a pet can help alleviate these symptoms. Pets provide unconditional love and affection, which helps calm our nerves and reduces feelings of loneliness.

4. Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, disturbed sleep, and suicidal thoughts. People suffering from depression often lose their appetite and become socially withdrawn. In fact, depression is so common that NIMH reports that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. However, studies show that owning a pet can improve the quality of life for depressed individuals. One study found that children who had dogs were half as likely to exhibit signs of depression as children without dogs.

5. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and stress are just some of the risk factors that increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. But there is good news. There are lifestyle changes that can help prevent heart disease. Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, quit smoking, control stress, and maintain a healthy weight can all help keep your heart strong.

6. Cancer

Cancer is a serious condition that can strike anyone at any time. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help fight off cancer cells and slow down tumor growth. The American Cancer Society recommends talking to your doctor about how to stay healthy after being diagnosed with cancer. You should know what kinds of tests your doctor orders, and find out if you need follow up visits or treatment.

7. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin allows glucose to enter your cells, giving you energy. Without it, you will have elevated levels of sugar in your blood. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, extreme hunger, fatigue, and slow healing wounds. It can cause long term damage to your eyes, kidneys, feet, legs, hands, and heart.

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