According to recent research conducted by Canisius College in New York State, women who sleep next to dogs report higher sleep quality compared to sharing a bed with humans or cats.
The study, led by animal behaviorist Christy Hoffman, surveyed nearly one thousand women in the United States to come to these findings. The research showed that 55% of the participants shared their bed with at least one dog, while 31% shared it with at least one cat. Additionally, 57% shared a bed with a human partner.
The study found that dogs make better sleeping companions due to their sleeping patterns, which are more similar to humans than cats. Hoffman explains, “Dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats.” Dogs also adapt more easily to their owner’s sleep schedule, which can be particularly helpful when partners have different bedtimes and wake times.
Furthermore, the study revealed that dogs provide a sense of stillness and security during sleep. Dogs typically stay in bed throughout the night, while cats tend to come and go, potentially causing disruptions. Additionally, dogs can provide psychological comfort and alert their owners in case of an intruder or emergency, making them feel more secure than cats or even human partners.
While the study suggests that dogs are ideal sleep companions, it is subjective to each case. Some dog owners may find that their pets snore or make the bed too hot, affecting their sleep quality. Moreover, research based on how volunteers perceive their pets’ impact on sleep quality and duration needs to be supplemented with more objective studies. Nonetheless, the findings are valuable, especially considering the number of American households with pets.
Hoffman emphasizes the importance of continuing this line of research to understand the circumstances in which pets positively impact sleep quality and when co-sleeping with pets may have a detrimental effect. Additionally, future research using sleep tracking devices, similar to Fitbits, could provide more objective data on sleep quality in different sleeping conditions.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to definitively declare dogs as the superior sleeping partners, the study indicates that women generally sleep better next to dogs. The study’s results illuminate the potential benefits of having a canine companion for quality shut-eye.
