Here’s further proof that dogs are truly man’s, or in this case woman’s, best friend.
A study reveals that the furry creatures may just be the best bedfellows for women who have trouble getting some shut-eye at night. The researchers arrived at the conclusion after polling 982 women pet owners about how having a pet affects their sleeping patterns and routines.
It might be time to kick your snoring man out of bed and cuddle with your dog instead to get better sleep.
The Findings Don’t Lie
According to the study, “An Examination of Adult Women’s Sleep Quality and Sleep Routines in Relation to Pet Ownership and Bedsharing,” published in an academic journal called Anthrozoös, sleeping in bed with your dog may lead to better quality sleep.
Of the nearly one thousand woman in the study, they found that 55% of all dog owners surveyed allow their pet to sleep in the same bed they do compare to 31% of cat owners who have the same sleeping arrangements. It’s also important to note that 57% of all participants say they share the bed with another person.
In the end, the study found that out of the three, dogs were the least disruptive as per the personal experiences of the women polled. Not only that, but they also reported feeling more secure with them around.
According to the writers of the study,
“Compared with human bed partners, dogs who slept in the owner’s bed were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with stronger feelings of comfort and security.”
They attribute this to dogs perceived protective characteristic:
“(It) may be related to dogs’ abilities to deter intruders and warn their owners of potential threats.”
They also commented on how dog owners tend to have stricter and more consistent routines than their feline-owning counterparts:
“Dog ownership and its associated responsibilities may cause individuals to adhere to a stricter routine. Keeping to a consistent sleep schedule may be beneficial to dog owners.”
More Perks of Being a Dog Owner
But better sleep isn’t the only perk of choosing dogs as companions.
Caring for one can lead you to make healthier lifestyle choices which can help you avoid or cope with both physical and mental illnesses.
According to Help Guide, a dog’s presence can greatly help people who suffer from anxiety issues. They are known for their empathetic nature and being able to sense distress in their owners. Canines can offer comfort during anxiety attacks.
And as mentioned above, caring for a dog requires an individual to follow a stricter routine to accommodate the needs of the pet, such as regular walks outside, which would also benefit the owner’s physical health by forcing some level of exercise on a daily basis.
Most importantly, what dogs offer is companionship. This could, believe it or not, add years to your lifespan. In fact, some studies show that dog owners tend to live longer.
According to a Swedish study, dog owners have a twenty percent lower risk of death in general and a 23% lower risk of death from heart disease when compared to people who are not dog owners.
Better sleep, better health, and a longer life. If these reasons haven’t sold you on dogs yet, we don’t know what will. Maybe check out just how adorable they can be.
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