Dogs Improve Women’s Sleep Quality
Good sleep is essential for health, and new research from Canisius College in New York suggests that women sleep better next to dogs than with human partners or cats. Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and the lead researcher, surveyed nearly 1,000 women in the United States. The findings revealed that 55% of participants shared their bed with at least one dog, 31% with at least one cat, and 57% with a human partner. Women rated dogs as better bed partners, reporting improved sleep quality.
One reason is that dogs’ sleep patterns align more closely with humans compared to cats. “Dogs’ major sleep periods coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats’,” Hoffman noted. Dogs may also be better at accommodating their owner’s sleep schedule. Human partners often have different sleep schedules, which can disrupt sleep, while dogs adapt more readily to their owner’s routine, reducing potential disruptions.
Security and Consistency
Dogs also help maintain a regular schedule, like morning walks, which contributes to better sleep quality. The study found that dogs tend to stay on the bed throughout the night, unlike cats that frequently move on and off, causing disturbances.
A significant benefit of sleeping with dogs is the sense of security they provide. Many dog owners feel comforted knowing their dog will alert them in case of an intruder or emergency. A dog’s presence and their potential to bark at unusual activity can deter intruders, providing psychological comfort that cats are less likely to offer.
While the study highlights the benefits of sleeping with dogs, it acknowledges that these benefits can vary. Some dogs might snore or make the bed too warm, which could disrupt sleep. Furthermore, some cat owners find their pets help them sleep better.
Hoffman emphasized the need for further research to understand the full impact of pets on sleep quality. Future studies could use objective measures, like Fitbit-like devices, to track sleep quality in different sleeping arrangements. This research suggests that for many women, dogs might just be the ideal bed partners.
