It’s no secret that quality sleep is essential for our health and well-being. With sleep research being a growing field of study, it’s fascinating to see how something as simple as a sleeping companion could have such a profound effect on sleep patterns. According to a recent study from Canisius College in New York, women who share their bed with a dog tend to sleep better than those who sleep next to a human partner or a cat. While this may sound surprising to some, the research offers some intriguing insights into the reasons behind these findings.
The Study
The research, led by Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., surveyed nearly 1,000 women across the United States. The study aimed to understand how different sleeping partners—whether human, dog, or cat—affect women’s sleep quality. Among the participants, 55% reported that they shared their bed with at least one dog, 31% with at least one cat, and 57% with a human partner. The results were revealing: women rated dogs as better bed partners than both cats and humans. “We found that women commonly rate dogs as better bed partners and report that their dogs enhance their sleep quality,” Hoffman said.
Why Dogs Are Ideal Bed Companions
One of the key findings of the study is that dogs’ sleep patterns align more closely with humans’ compared to cats. This similarity in sleep-wake cycles may contribute to the fact that dogs make better sleeping partners. As Hoffman explained, “The difference between dogs and cats is not surprising because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats’.”
While human partners can have widely differing sleep schedules—resulting in disturbances—dogs are often more adaptable to their owner’s routines. Hoffman suggested that dogs may be less likely to disrupt sleep, saying, “In comparison to human bed partners, dogs may be better at accommodating their human’s sleep schedule. It’s not uncommon for human bed partners to go to bed at very different times and wake up at very different times. Such differences in partners’ schedules can certainly disrupt sleep.”
In addition to their adaptable sleep schedules, dogs can help their owners stick to a consistent daily routine, such as morning walks, which can improve overall sleep quality.
Stillness and Security
Another major advantage dogs have over both cats and human partners is their general stillness during the night. Many women in the study reported that their dogs tend to stay on the bed throughout the night, while cats are more likely to wander on and off, potentially disturbing their sleep. Hoffman noted, “This suggests that cats may be more likely than dogs to create disruptions by moving on and off the bed during the night.”
The sense of security that dogs provide is yet another reason women may sleep better when sharing their bed with a canine companion. Dogs can offer a sense of protection that neither cats nor humans can match. In Hoffman’s words, “Some dog owners may take comfort in the thought that their dog will alert them in the case of an intruder or other type of emergency; furthermore, a dog’s bark may deter a potential intruder. A cat is less likely to take on this role, and so, may not provide psychological comfort in the same way a dog might.”
The Psychological Benefits of Sleeping With Dogs
While the physical benefits of sleeping next to a dog are clear—better synchronization of sleep schedules, fewer disturbances, and a sense of security—the psychological benefits shouldn’t be underestimated. Many dog owners report feeling more relaxed and less anxious when their pets are nearby, especially during the night. This emotional bond can be a key factor in improving sleep quality. As Hoffman explained, many women feel a deep sense of comfort knowing their dog is by their side, creating a calm and restful environment that is conducive to better sleep.
The Downside: Not Everyone Finds Dogs Ideal for Sleep
Despite the glowing results for dogs as sleep partners, not all dog owners would agree. There are cases where a dog’s snoring, movements, or even their size can make the bed too warm or uncomfortable. Additionally, some dogs have habits, such as hogging the bed or kicking, which can cause sleep disturbances for their owners.
The study does not claim that dogs are universally the best sleeping partners for everyone. Instead, it highlights how different sleep partners can impact individual perceptions of sleep quality. For instance, some participants in the study who shared their bed with cats reported that their feline companions helped them sleep better. The difference, however, lies in how each individual perceives the effect of their pets on their sleep.
What About Sleeping Alone?
Interestingly, research has shown that women often sleep better alone than with a human partner, a fact that might surprise many. The reasons for this are varied and include issues such as incompatible sleep schedules, snoring, or physical movement. Yet, despite this, many women prefer sleeping with a partner, whether human or canine, due to the sense of companionship and security.
Future Research
While the results of Hoffman’s study are fascinating, there is still much more to learn about how sleeping partners—whether human, animal, or otherwise—affect sleep quality. Hoffman herself acknowledges that the study was based on participants’ perceptions, which can be subjective. She suggests that more objective research, such as using devices like Fitbits to track sleep quality, could provide additional insights. “It will be valuable to continue this line of research so we can develop a clearer picture of the contexts under which pets and their presence in their owner’s bed may positively impact sleep quality, and the contexts under which co-sleeping with a pet may be detrimental to one’s sleep quality,” she said.
Conclusion
The study sheds light on an interesting and often overlooked aspect of sleep quality—our sleeping companions. While dogs may not be the perfect sleeping partner for everyone, for many women, they offer a sense of comfort, security, and routine that contributes to a better night’s rest. With more research, we may better understand how our sleep environments, including the pets we share them with, can help us achieve the quality sleep we all need.
In the meantime, dog lovers can take solace in the fact that their furry friends are not just loyal companions during the day—they’re also excellent bed buddies at night.