Sharing a bed with a pet at night is a common feature of nighttime routines in the United States. According to a 2021 —2022 survey, 43 percent of pet dogs in the United States and 49 percent of pet cats sleep on their owner’s bed. When it comes to the perks of sharing your bed with your favourite furry friend, however, experts are divided.
First, it’s worth noting that the majority of research on the topic of co-sleeping with pets has focused on dogs rather than cats. Mark Fierstein, an internal medicine specialist at NYULangone Health in New York City, suggests this is because cats may want to play or even purposely wake up their owner. Rabbits or hamsters are also out of the question.
A benefit of sleeping with pets is that the practice may prevent loneliness, Fierstein says. “Often, people who co-sleep with pets report an increased sense of security, companionship, and relaxation,” he notes. “For some people, the dog’s warmth, steady heartbeat, and protective nature can make sleeping with them feel safe and cozy.” This may be especially true of people who are managing trauma (创伤) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). LeslieSinn, a psychologist, says according to a survey, 60% of PTSD suffers feel calm down if they wake up to see the presence of the dog.
Some research suggests co-sleeping with pets may increase mid-night awakenings for people. “If the owner is a light sleeper, he or she may not do well with a dog or cat in the bedroom,”notes Fierstein. For example, he points out that a dog who snores (打呼噜) loudly is not an ideal sleeping mate.
Dogs may also show aggressive (好斗的) behaviour — such as biting. Allowing pets in the bedroom can also expose owners to potential allergens (过敏源), like pet hair, as well as viruses that cause disease.
【小题1】What does the underlined word “perks” mean in the first paragraph?| A．Feelings. | B．Dangers. | C．Plans. | D．Advantages. |
| A．A cat. | B．A dog. | C．A rabbit. | D．A hamster. |
| A．Protecting pets. | B．Avoiding loneliness. |
| C．Saving money. | D．Keeping busy. |
| A．Who Can Sleep with a Pet? | B．Is It Beneficial to Keep a Pet? |
| C．Is Sleeping with a Pet a Good Idea? | D．What Kind of Pet Can we Co-Sleep with? |
