Quality of sleep can also be affected. Previous studies have shown that owners sharing a bed with their pet report greater sleep disturbances than people whose pets did not sleep in their bed. One factor that may explain this difference is that dogs are polyphasic sleepers and average three sleep/wake cycles per nighttime hour, whereas humans are monophasic sleepers (one period of sleep over a 24-hour cycle). Dogs also stay alert for sounds, even when sleeping, which may make them lighter sleepers than their humans.
Do you let your dog sleep in your bed with you at night? Research has shown that slightly less than one-half of all pet owners share their bed or bedroom with their pet. Even so, you have likely been told by at least one well-meaning person that your dog should sleep on the floor, in his crate, or in his own bed. However, according to recent research, there are many benefits to co-sleeping with your dog, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
The journal Human Nature recently published a study by Smith et al. entitled “A Multispecies Approach to Co-Sleeping: Integrating Human-Animal Co-Sleeping Practices into Our Understanding of Human Sleep.” The researchers looked at the practice of allowing a dog to sleep in the bed or bedroom, comparing it with adult-child co-sleeping.
The research study concluded that even though society may not currently regard co-sleeping in the best light, because of the many benefits, there is no need for unnecessary concern. I think those of us who share our beds and bedrooms with our dogs already know that any disturbance or inconvenience is well worth a nighttime of snuggles. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
Sometimes, the issues are unrelated, and co-sleeping simply highlights already existing problem behavior. For example, a dog with resource guarding issues might growl and bark to protect his sleeping spot on your bed. But the problem is really about your dog unnecessarily defending what he sees as his items and territory, not about the co-sleeping.
1 Reduces Allergies Later in Life
Many people’s argument against sleeping with your dog includes the fact that they may bring allergens into the bedroom. However, one study found that infants who slept with their pets were less likely to develop allergies later on in life. Early exposure to allergens carried by dogs seems to have a positive impact! While this may not be the case for everyone, it’s certainly worth considering when deciding to let your dog sleep in your child’s bedroom.
Having pets in the household has an array of benefits like lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneliness and more opportunities for activities and socialization. However, these benefits don’t stop at bedtime. One study found that 41 percent of pet owners described sleeping with their pets as unobtrusive and even beneficial. The case can be made that having your dog near you, whether in the waking hours or sleep, can lead to improved health overall
Your dog is showing you love
Simply put, if your dog is sleeping with you it means they love you. They love the warmth that you transmit, they feel safe with you, they want to protect you and transmit affection to you. Sleeping together is one of the greatest demonstrations of love and, in addition, can help to strengthen the bond between you and your animal.
Why Does Your Dog SLEEP With YOU? – 6 Most Common Reasons
For dog owners, it’s no longer acceptable to relegate your furry friend to the doghouse. In fact, 55 percent of pet owners surveyed said they share their bed with at least one dog. But is sleeping with your dog a good idea? While there has been debate surrounding the subject for years, many studies find that sleeping with your pet can actually be good for you. A dog’s body warmth, steady heartbeat and protective nature can make co-sleeping with them feel safe and cozy. If you’re worried that sharing your bed with your dog will impact your sleep quality, you can rest assured. Here we’ll cover 13 scientifically proven reasons* sleeping with your dog can be beneficial.
A recent study looked at how animal-assisted activities impacted depressive symptoms in humans. They found that people who performed activities or therapy with dogs reported fewer depressive symptoms. If simply interacting with a dog can treat depression, imagine what sleeping next to one can do! Their presence helps us relax and increases our flow of oxytocin, the love chemical. This essentially makes your dog a living antidepressant!
Building on the fact that sleeping with dogs increases the flow of oxytocin, this also has a profound impact on how deeply we sleep. Sleeping with your dog, and the chemicals that accompany the experience, promote theta brainwaves, which are known to occur during the REM stage of sleep. Studies have shown that when dogs are with their owners their heartbeats synch up. This is further proof of the calming effects the presence of a dog can have on the human brain. So, next time you are sleeping near your dog, imagine your hearts beating in unison while you experience the deepest, most rejuvenating sleep.
Feeling safe can play a large part in how well you sleep. A recent study explored how the presence of a pet in bed impacted womens’ sleep quality and found that it made them feel more secure and comfortable. Think about it — your dog’s instinct is to protect. They will let you know immediately if anything is amiss while you are asleep. While this can be problematic for overly-protective or sensitive dogs, many people find that knowing their dog is protecting them helps them sleep more soundly.
There are few things worse than lying awake at night, not being able to sleep. Good news for those who suffer from anxiety-induced insomnia — a dog in the bed can help! Studies show that having a dog in the bed can help relieve insomnia by mitigating anxiety and modifying hyperarousal and hypervigilance. All of this creates a better mood and environment for slumber, which can help combat insomnia.
That same collection of studies found that support animals can be used to diminish nightmares and even help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The level of comfort a dog brings to the bed helps put you at ease and makes you feel cozy. That furry, cuddly animal is likely to love lying with you just as much as you enjoy laying with them. This adds to that snuggly atmosphere that most dog owners find so comforting.
Especially for those living by themselves, sleeping alone can add to feelings of depression and discomfort. What better way to combat loneliness than with a living bed-warmer? While some people prefer to sprawl out alone, recent studies show that many individuals — especially those who are single — find the presence of a pet helps them sleep. The companionship, security and relaxation your dog can provide is an excellent reason to co-sleep with them.
Sleep efficiency is a score calculated to determine how much time you actually spend sleeping while you are in bed. One study recently found that humans who slept with a dog in their bedroom kept a better routine and were able to sleep more efficiently. Participants (and their dogs) wore a sleep tracker for seven nights. They found that humans had an 81 percent sleep efficiency and the dogs an 85 percent sleep efficiency. For reference, a sleep efficiency score of 100 is perfect. If you’re waking up tired, try sleeping with your dog!
Have you heard of “The Pet Effect”? It’s the phenomenon which involves reduced levels of stress and anxiety while your pet is around. In fact, 74 percent of pet owners report improvement in their mental health from pet ownership. As we mentioned before, cuddling with your pet leads to the release of oxytocin, the chemical that reduces stress and elevates your mood. It can also help lower your heart rate, lower the stress chemical cortisol and ultimately help you get a better night’s rest.
Speaking of the physical effects contact with dogs has on the human body, one study found that human-dog interaction, like petting or touching a dog, led to lower blood pressure readings. The therapeutic benefits of being around a dog likely don’t stop when you are falling asleep. What better way to relax, unwind and drift off to sleep than with your favorite animal by your side?