Should you allow your pets to sleep in your bed? Now, that is a tough question. There are scientific studies on co-sleeping with pets, debating the pros and cons of catching some ZZZs alongside your dog or cat.

There’s some evidence that suggests sleeping with your furry friend impedes your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. According to the Sealy Sleep Census—a study into the sleeping habits of 13,089 Aussies—8.9% of respondents reported sleeping with their pets (which is almost double the amount that reported that their kids come into bed with them). Those people that allowed pets or kids into the bed with them were often disturbed at night and noted waking up tired.

However, having a pet in your bed is no worse than having a partner in bed as of the 7,550 people who slept with a partner, 58% were disturbed by their partner’s snoring!

Not only is there a question mark over quality of sleep when curl up with your pet, there are potential health risks too. A study published in the journal Emerging Infection Diseases suggested a whole host of horrors, such as internal parasites and even the bubonic plague, could be transmitted through sleeping with pets!

Restless nights and horror health issues aside, I’ve come to the conclusion that the decision lies with the owner. Some pet owners like to have their furry pal close to them all night. Some pet owners are comforted to have their pet sleep on the floor besides their bed, while others think pets should stay firmly in their own bed—preferably in a different room in the home. Each pet is different, each owner is different—so do what’s right for you.

If you are going to co-sleep with your pet, here’s a few tips to help ensure the best night’s sleep possible:

• Try not to let them lick you as you lie face to face, it’s kinda unhygienic; dog or cat slobber definitely doesn’t make for a good pre-bed skincare regime.
• Wash your bedding on a hot wash at least once a week. Pets shed hair and finding a cat’s whisker or a bunch of dog hair between your toes the next morning is so not cool.
• An aromatherapy candle or room scent can help rid your bedroom of that, sometimes, funky animal smell.

If you decide you don’t want your pet sleeping in your bed with you, you’ll have to be strong willed and ignore their howls, puppy-dog eyes or meows to be allowed in with you. On the other hand, if you love the added warmth of having your pet lie next to you at night—feel free to cuddle up to your canine or kitty.

Do you co-sleep with your pet? Do you get a good night’s sleep?