Sleeping Next To Your Pet Is Better Than Your Partner, See Why

There is the popular quote that, “you know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams”. While this might be true for many, when it comes to the quality of sleep, men are at a disadvantage as a recent study has shown that women sleep much better when sleeping next to their pets than their partners.

The Examination of Adult Women’s Sleep Quality study by Canisius College found most women slept better with a dog than with a cat – or another human.

The study collected sleep data from 962 women from across the United States, as well as relationship and pet status.

*55 per cent shared a bed with a dog

*31 per cent shared a bed with a cat

*57 per cent shared their bed with a partner

*93 per cent owned a dog or cat

“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,” the study found.

“Conversely,” the study adds, “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.”

Further research reveals that;

1. It is Comforting For Both Your Dog and You

Your dog and you receive comfort from each other. Your dog loves you and looks to you for guidance. Allowing your dog to sleep with you creates a comforting routine so he does not feel scared, alone, or insecure.
And studies have shown many physical and mental health advantages to owning a dog. Sleeping together increases the amount of time spent with your dog, potentially increasing those benefits [1]. Dogs may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve feelings of loneliness [2]. Allowing your dog into your bedroom provides a calm, soothing presence that provides you with many benefits. You could call it ‘Sleep Therapy’ [3].

2. It Will Strengthens Your Bond with Your Dog

Just being together in the same room even while asleep can make your dog more loyal. This is a low key relaxing time with each other that builds trust and confidence. It increases the feeling of comfort and companionship for you both. It’s a time of connection without demanding anything from each other [3]. Sleeping in your bedroom is an ideal way for you and your dog to bond.

3. Dogs Make You Feel Safer

Dogs have excellent hearing and are protective of their owners and territory. And they are quick to detect if something is wrong. It’s like having a built-in protection system for you since dogs can quickly alarm you of any danger. Dogs have a way of making us feel safe.

4. Your Dog Will Be Safer

Confining your dog to your bedroom will make it so he cannot roam the house during the night and get in trouble. Being confined also helps prevent your dog from going ‘potty’ inside. Dogs do not like to ‘go’ where they sleep. It is important to allow your dog some playtime followed by an outing to go ‘potty’ right before bed so you both can get great sleep. If you don’t want to shut your door at night to confine your dog in the bedroom, using a baby gate is a great way to keep the door open and your dog confined with you.

5. It Will Help Establish a Sleep Pattern For You Both

Your dog will likely sleep better through the night just sensing the fact that you are asleep. Dogs follow our lead, our emotions, and our schedules. Your dog will sense the shutting down mode and this will help him relax as well [3]. It will also keep you from worrying about your dog being lonely or roaming around getting in trouble if he’s sleeping elsewhere.

Once a routine is established your dog will likely go to sleep and awake around the same time each day. Have you ever heard your friends or family say, “my dog will go to bed and start barking for me to come to bed too.”? This is because dogs LOVE a routine. It makes them feel safe, secure, and relaxed.

Credit: The Guardian