A good night’s sleep is essential for health, and scientists are always trying to discover the best ways to help people sleep well.
Surprisingly, new research from Canisius College in New York State reveals that women may sleep better with dogs by their side than with human partners or cats.
Christy Hoffman, an animal behavior expert and the study’s lead researcher, surveyed nearly 1,000 women in the U.S. About 55% of them shared their beds with dogs, 31% with cats, and 57% with a human partner. Hoffman’s results showed that many women rated dogs as their top sleep companions, even better than humans or cats.
The study explored why dogs help women sleep better. One reason is that dogs’ sleep patterns are more in sync with human sleep patterns than those of cats. Unlike cats, which tend to be more active at night, dogs’ sleep schedules match human sleep habits, which can lead to less disturbance during the night.
Another reason dogs may be better bed partners than humans is that dogs adapt well to their owner’s schedule. While human partners might go to bed and wake up at different times, often disturbing each other’s sleep, dogs tend to adjust to their owner’s routine, helping create a more stable sleep schedule.
Dogs also encourage routines that improve sleep quality. For example, because dogs need morning walks, their owners often maintain a consistent schedule. Regular schedules can enhance sleep quality, as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps the body maintain a stable rhythm.
Stillness and security are other advantages of sleeping with a dog. Women in the study reported that their dogs stayed still and slept through the night, while cats moved on and off the bed, causing sleep interruptions.
Additionally, dogs give a sense of safety; they can act as protectors and may alert their owners to intruders. Cats, however, are less likely to provide this sense of security.
While the study shows that many women prefer sleeping with dogs, it’s worth noting that individual experiences vary. Some women find that cats or even humans help them sleep better. Dogs can also sometimes snore or make the bed too warm, which could affect sleep quality.
Hoffman highlights that more research is needed to confirm these findings. For example, future studies could use wearable devices, like Fitbits, to objectively measure how pets affect sleep.
Understanding the impact of pets on sleep could benefit many households, as a large number of Americans sleep with their pets.
