What I really think about pets in the bed

Love to cuddle up to your furry friend at night? There are pros and cons to having an overnight companion...

- 

Thousands of years ago, our ancestors slept alongside their four-legged companions to stay warm and protect against predators, but that's hardly the case nowadays. On the other hand, that's not to say there aren't good reasons for allowing them into your bed at night.

The companionship of a loving pet can reap many benefits for our physical and mental health, as well as our happiness levels. Studies have shown that engaging with pets can lower our stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase our feel-good hormones, including oxytocin. I have, several times in my years as a GP, seen the genuine positive effect a pet can have on loneliness, especially when an individual has experienced loss of a loved one or a challenging time.

FEELING SAFE