Should you sleep with your pet? A recent survey found that 37% of pet owners sleep with their pets every night, with dogs being more likely to snuggle up with their owners than cats. however, the survey also found that over a third of pet owners wake up not feeling refreshed after sleeping with their pets.

The Germy Bedroom

Experts warn that pets can bring a range of germs into the bedroom, including bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Pasteurella , and E. coli which naturally lives in dogs' guts. These germs can survive for days or even weeks on sheets, creating a possible route of transmission if someone touches the bedding and then their face, or if a dog licks their face or broken skin.

The risks are not limited to dogs.. Cats can also carry germs that may occasionally spread to humans, incluidng Pasteurella from bites and scratches, Bartonella, which causs cat scratch disease, Toxoplasma from contaminated litter or soil, gut bugs such as Campylobacter and Salmonella, and ringworm.

Disturbing Sleep

Pets can also disturb sleep due to their noises and movements. A recent study found that almost half of US adults sleep with pets, but those who do have poorer perceived sleep quality and more severe insomnia symptoms than those who do not.

The study suggested that noise, heat, and movement from animals in the bedroom may disturb sleep for some owners.. While some pet owners may find that sleeping with their pets helps them sleep soundly, others may want to consider the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.

Who is the Unnamed Expert?

The source article quotes experts,but the names of the experts are not provided. Who is the unnamed expert weighing in on the risks and benefits of co-sleeping with pets?