It’s no secret that good sleep is essential for maintaining our overall health and well-being. Researchers have been exploring various strategies to improve sleep quality, and an exciting new study suggests that women may sleep better next to dogs compared to humans or cats.
The study, conducted by Canisius College in New York State, surveyed nearly one thousand women across the United States. The results revealed that 55% of the participants shared their beds with at least one dog, while 31% shared their beds with at least one cat. Moreover, 57% shared their beds with a human partner.
Lead researcher Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist, discovered several reasons why dogs make excellent bed companions. One of the main factors is that dogs’ sleeping patterns closely resemble those of humans, unlike cats.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to adapt to their owners’ sleep schedules, making them more accommodating compared to human partners. Many human partners have different sleep schedules, which can disrupt sleep. On the other hand, dogs readily adjust to their owners’ routines, potentially enhancing sleep quality.
Additionally, dogs thrive on routine, such as regular morning walks, which helps their owners maintain consistent sleep patterns leading to better quality sleep.
Another advantage of sleeping next to dogs is their stillness during sleep. Unlike restless human partners, dogs tend to stay in one place throughout the night, avoiding disruptions. Cats, on the other hand, may come and go, disturbing sleep.
Furthermore, dogs provide a sense of security to their owners that cats or even human partners may not. Dogs can alert their owners to potential intruders and may even deter them with their barks.
While this study suggests that dogs make excellent sleeping companions, it’s important to note that individual preferences and circumstances may vary. For example, some dogs may snore or make the bed too hot, which can affect sleep quality. Additionally, many cat owners find that their cats actually help them sleep better.
It’s essential to recognize that this study is based on subjective perceptions of the participants, and further objective research is necessary to definitively determine whether dogs are superior sleeping partners. However, Hoffman believes that continuing this line of research is valuable, especially considering the number of households with pets.
Understanding the contexts under which pets positively impact sleep quality, and when co-sleeping with them may be detrimental, could provide valuable insights. Future research could also utilize devices like Fitbit to objectively track sleep quality in different sleeping conditions.
In the end, finding the best sleeping partner depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or human, what matters most is achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep for optimal health and well-being. So go ahead and snuggle up with your beloved furry friend for a good night’s sleep!
