Sleeping is one of life's essential needs, we all crave it and have a hard time getting it sometimes. There are many issues that can prevent us from getting a solid night's sleep, some preventable, others not. Sharing a mattress with a partner is right up there with one of the factors that can disrupt a consistent, restorative sleep. But what about co-sleeping with a pet?

Pets can be as much a part of the family as your children, so it stands to reason with your dog, cat or other furry family member jumps up into the bed, it's decision time: To share or not to share your bed with your pet.

Sleeping with a pet can give some people a sense of security and peace, however, sleeping with a pet can also have drawbacks:

• Allergies: People with allergies could have issues with pet dander and subsequent dust mite build up
• Movement: Pets can move around and disrupt your sleep
• Noise: Whines, barks, purring, etc can bring you out of REM sleep
• Smells: Yes, even the occasional unpleasant smell from your animal can wake you up

Despite that list of very convincing reasons not to allow your pet to snuggle up with you at night, here are some ways you can overcome or at least compensate for these issues.

1. Allergies: Regardless if you sleep on a memory foam mattress or organic mattress, pet dander can pile up and become a haven for dust mites. Keeping a waterproof, breathable mattress protector on your mattress and washing it frequently can help keep the situation under control. Keep your blankets, sheets and pillows laundered often as well.

2. Movement: If your pet is a wiggle-worm, then you likely have been woken up a time or two from your pet jumping up or down on the mattress or moving around. But what you may not know is that your pet could be disrupting your sleep all night long without waking you up to consciousness. Any movement can bring you out of REM sleep. What is the answer? If you are sleeping in a traditional coil mattress, you should consider a memory foam mattress. Memory Foam Mattresses do not transfer motion like a traditional coil mattress, allowing you to get your 40 winks and more.

3. Noise and Smells: Ok, so there isn't a product I can recommend for this one. A white noise machine may help neutralize some sounds, and a fan can keep fresh air circulating, but not sleeping with your pet may be one of the only ways to solve this part of the equation.

At Nest Bedding, we are a pet-friendly store and staff. We offer this advice for those of you who are struggling to find a balance between a good night's sleep and sharing your bed with your furry friend.