One thing more than half a million Australians are doing at bed time each night

It's a conversation most households have had before getting a pet: are they going to be allowed to sleep on the bed or not?

Mostly it comes down to two thingsis it going to make the bed harder to clean? And is it going to disturb your sleep?

The answer to both questions is probably a yes, but Aussies just can't say no to their furry friends.

READ MORE: Trolley feature supermarket expert says could soon be 'faded out'

According to the new IKEA Global Sleep Report, which is said to be one of the largest sleep studies undertaken, five per cent of Australians sleep with a pet in their bed compared to two per cent of people globally.

And a quick tour around the 9honey office will tell you that stat checks out, with several Sydneysiders revealing that they, of course, let their furry friend share their bed.

"I have three small dogs and they all sleep with us! Generally, two at the bottom and one up the top," shared one pet owner.

"They tend to swap during the night and you wake up next to a completely different dog with their delightful (not) dog breath."

Many shared that having their furry friend beside them at night makes them feel safer, especially when home alone, with one explaining no-one is "getting past those dogs and their hair trigger barking".

However, there seems to be one common caveat to the rule: pets are only allowed on top of the covers, not in the sheets.

"If the pet is really clean I don't see the harm in them sleeping on the end of the bed on top of the doona, it's cute even," said another pet owner.

"But I can't stomach the thought of them getting under the doona – even if they are really clean."

READ MORE: Meghan is the reason this Invictus Games will be like no other

One of Australia's most recognised veterinarians and pet experts Dr. Katrina Warren tells 9honey that the benefits of having a pet sleep on the bed include comfort, feeling safe and the fact that our pets simply like it there, but agrees they shouldn't be getting under the covers.

"Cons are obviously hygiene issues, it's important that you regularly wash your bedding and I'm a big fan of using a throw rug on top," she said.

But sometimes, we just can't say no to their little faces.

One Sydney cat owner shared that she's tried to sleep in her bed cat-free but as soon as the door is closed "they start crying and banging on the door".

"Both my cats sleep with me," she added.

"My eldest has decided lately that my pillow is also her pillow and I don't have the heart to push her away, so now my sleep has become tiresome trying to avoid disturbing her."

Another pet owner shared that her dog has slept on the bed since she was fully toilet trained, adding that there are pros and cons to having a furry friend to snuggle.

READ MORE: Famous family overshadows cast at White Lotus world premiere

"I love it in winter because she's so warm," they said. "But she snores, which is hell."

Despite the downsides you can't deny the stats, Aussies love their pets even if it means an interrupted night's sleep and having to wash the sheets more often.

"The cuddles are the cutest," one pet owner shared. "And my little pomchi loves fresh sheets."

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.