There are countless studies out there about why sleeping with another human is great. It creates a sense of safety and security, it reduces levels of the stress hormone (cortisol), it soothes symptoms of anxiety, it may help boost natural sleeping patterns (which helps support a whole other host of health factors), and yada yada yada.
But what about sleeping with DOGS on the bed?
Sharing The Bed With A Dog
It turns out there’s a recent study published in the Anthrozoös journal entitled “An Examination of Adult Women’s Sleep Quality and Sleep Routines in Relation to Pet Ownership and Bedsharing.” It discusses why women specifically were perceived to greatly benefit from sharing their bed with a canine companion. The study surveyed 962 adult pet-owning women in the United States. It found that 55% of those surveyed share beds with their dogs; 31% did the same with their feline companions. 57% of participants also shared a bed with human partners.
The study ultimately showed that dogs were reported to be far less disruptive than cats when it came to sharing the bed with their humans. It goes on to support the notion that dogs are strongly associated with feelings of comfort and security.
Researches found,
“Compared with human bed partners, dogs who slept in the owner’s bed were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with stronger feelings of comfort and security. Conversely, cats who slept in their owner’s bed were reported to be equally as disruptive as human partners, and were associated with weaker feelings of comfort and security than both human and dog bed partners.”
Not to give cats a bad rep, but they may not be the most restful and comforting choice in bedmate. On the other hand, dogs can be just as good, often better, than sharing the bed with a human.
The study stated further research is needed to determine if people’s’ perceptions of their pets have any influence on their quality of sleep. More inquiry is needed to discover what makes our loveable pups such good sleeping companions. But this study gives the field of interest a great head start! Is also further supports the idea that letting your dogs (and cats) onto the bed can be far more beneficial than not. And come on, how can you resist cuddles from your adorable, furry friends?
Time To Catch Some ZZZs
Whether it’s something specific to dogs or pet owner perceptions of their pets (or perhaps both), there’s now scientific evidence supporting your decision to sleep with your dog. That’s right! There’s now a study to back you up that having your canine companion close at night can be so comforting and worthwhile.
At the end of the day, I know one of my favorite things to look forward to is some warm cuddles with my fur baby. What about you? Do you let your dog (or cat) sleep on the bed with you? Do you feel like it benefits you?