A recent survey of 2,000 American pet owners showed that seven out of ten people felt that sleeping with their dog or cat helped them sleep better. Numerous studies have backed up the idea that sleeping with a pet can lead to better sleep and psychological health. Scientists say that more research into the effects of sleeping with a dog or cat is needed. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic did their own study and say that ‘There can be significant psychological comfort in having your pet close by, which can help both initiate and maintain sleep.'