There are a variety of reasons why you might be unable to sleep. Maybe you get anxious at night, worry over nighttime house noises, or sleep better when you have someone to snuggle next to. One possible way to remedy these problems is to sleep with your dog.
Some might feel as though sleeping next to their dog would inhibit sleep more than it would help, but there are science-backed studies that tell us it’s worth a shot. For some people, having their furry friend in the room can help them drift into a quality slumber that leaves them refreshed the next morning.
The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Dog Nearby
When your pooch is in the bedroom, your sleep quality can improve. While sleeping with your dog isn’t for everyone, it’s worth a try. Here are some potential benefits of cuddling up with your furry friend:
1. A Feeling of Security
What could make you feel more secure than having your guard dog protecting you when you sleep? According to a recent study, women who slept next to their dogs felt more secure than when they slept next to cats or even human partners. This only makes sense, as our furry friends are alert to intruders and protective over their owners. Creating a bedtime routine with your pup may significantly improve your sleep hygiene if you find yourself worried about nighttime trespassers.
2. Anxiety Reduction
We’re all familiar with the feeling of playing with our dog and having our worries wash away. In fact, recent research suggests that interacting with a dog for short periods of time can reduce your body’s cortisol levels. When the appearance of cortisol, also known as the “stress chemical,” is reduced, you’re less likely to feel anxious. If you’re on the fence about allowing your dog into the bedroom, this benefit could be what pushes you over the edge!
3. Mental Health Improvement
There’s a reason that universities use therapy dogs to help comfort their students. As we said before, interacting with dogs can relieve stress, but it can also improve your overall happiness levels. Some research suggests that there’s an association between participating in animal-assisted activities and reduced depressive symptoms. This means that spending more time with your animal in and outside of the bedroom could result in mental health improvements.
Conclusion
With so many distractions interfering with high quality deep sleep, it’s more important than ever that people optimize their sleep hygiene. Getting great sleep can ensure that you’re properly functioning and full of energy throughout the day. To this end, there are a multitude of benefits to sleeping with your dog in the bedroom.
That said, the best sleeping arrangement is going to be different for everyone. Maybe sleeping with your dog works for you or maybe they’re too energetic and wake you up at night. Don’t feel like there’s only one “right” way to sleep. Just do your research, listen to your body, and make quality sleep a priority.
For more information on best practices for sleeping with dogs, check out Tommy John’s tips below.
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