9 Scientific Benefits of Sleeping With Your Dog

Did you know that according to a survey, over half of pet owners sleep with their dogs? But, is this a good idea?

In this article, we’re going to explore the 9 scientifically backed benefits of sleeping with your dog.

It turns out that sharing your bed with your dog is not only comfortable but also offers great advantages, like this first one.

1. Reduces Stress

Can something as simple as sleeping with your dog help you feel less stressed? The answer is a resounding yes.

When your dog sleeps by your side, a wonderful calming effect occurs that lowers your anxiety levels and improves your sleep quality. This is particularly valuable for those suffering from psychological stress.

Moreover, petting your dog while you sleep releases oxytocin, which not only makes you feel happier but also helps your heart relax and reduces the production of cortisol, the stress-related hormone.

In fact, 74% of pet owners report improvements in their mental health thanks to this closeness with their dogs. If you’re feeling stressed, maybe tonight would be a good time to invite your dog to your bed.

2. Increases the Sense of Security

Feeling more secure because of your dog is easier than you might think. A recent study showed that many women feel an increase in their sense of security when they have their pet in bed.

Think about this: your dog’s natural instinct is to protect you. Dogs are protectors by nature and are always alert, meaning they can warn you of any issues during the night. This vigilance is especially valuable if you live alone or in an area where you worry about safety.

Your dog’s presence can deter intruders and respond to any real threats, protecting your physical and emotional wellbeing. Moreover, dogs not only detect physical threats but are also sensitive to your stress and anxiety, providing comfort when you need it most.

Their protective instinct provides a sense of security that can ease your nighttime fears and help you sleep more peacefully.

3. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

A study by the American Heart Association revealed that dog owners tend to have better cardiovascular health. This is not only due to the physical activity that comes with having a dog but also to the calming moments you share with your pet.

Research shows that simply having your dog nearby can reduce hypertension and cholesterol levels, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart.

Additionally, petting your dog is not only comforting but also releases oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.

Dog owners also experience less increase in heart rate and recover more quickly after stress, thanks to the constant companionship of their dogs. If you’re looking for a healthier heart, allowing your dog to sleep by your side might help you achieve it.

4. Alleviates Insomnia

Yes, fighting insomnia could be more pleasant than you imagine: just invite your dog to your bed.

Sleep experts have found that the presence of a dog can calm anxiety and reduce hyperarousal, which often contributes to insomnia. This calming effect translates into a better mood and a more conducive environment for sleep.

Additionally, in cases of specific sleep disorders like apnea or nightmares, service and emotional support dogs offer an additional therapeutic benefit. They help their owners better manage these challenges.

Dogs not only provide security and comfort but also play an active role in managing some sleep-related symptoms.

So, if you have trouble sleeping, consider the multiple benefits of sharing your nighttime space with your dog. Not only will you enjoy their company, but you could also enjoy better quality sleep.

5. You’ll Sleep More Deeply

A night of deep sleep can transform how you feel the next day, and sleeping with your dog could be the secret to achieving it. When you spend your nights by their side, you not only enjoy their closeness but also benefit your brain.

The presence of your dog stimulates the production of oxytocin in your body, which has a direct effect on the depth of your sleep by promoting theta brain waves. Interestingly, these waves are predominant during the REM stage, the most restorative phase of sleep.

But wait, there’s more. Studies have shown that dogs’ heartbeats can synchronize with their owners’, creating an even more calming environment. Therefore, every night you share with your dog, you are significantly improving the quality of your rest.

Go to bed with the peace of mind that nature has designed this perfect harmony for you to enjoy truly deep sleep.

6. Decreases Loneliness

If you live alone, you know that nights can be especially lonely. But what better solution than sharing your bed with a furry friend?

Recent studies indicate that many people, especially those who are single, find that the presence of a dog helps them sleep better. The warmth, company, and tranquility your dog provides are strong reasons to consider the idea of sleeping together.

If you feel that loneliness intensifies at nightfall, allowing your dog to sleep with you can make your nights cozier and less lonely.

7. Reduces Future Allergies

This might surprise you, but sleeping with your dog could help prevent allergies in the future.

Although many argue that dogs bring allergens into the bedroom, a study revealed that babies who grow up sleeping near their pets are less likely to develop allergies later in life. It turns out that early exposure to dog allergens can be really beneficial.

Although this doesn’t apply to everyone, it’s an important point to consider when deciding whether to allow your dog to sleep in your child’s room.

8. Reduces Depression

Did you know that sleeping with your dog could be a potent natural antidepressant? While depression is a serious issue that should be addressed with professional help, a recent study found that activities with dogs can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms.

Participants who regularly interacted with dogs reported feeling less depressed. This suggests that the simple presence of a dog can be therapeutic. And if having a dog nearby during the day can improve your mood, imagine how beneficial it could be to share the bed with one.

The presence of your dog at night not only relaxes you but, as I mentioned earlier, also increases the production of oxytocin.

This will offer you an emotional boost that can help you feel better. So, if you’re looking for a bit of comfort on difficult days, allowing your dog to sleep with you could be an excellent option.

9. Improves the Bond with Your Dog

The bond you can create with your dog by sleeping together is incredibly strong. There’s a story that tells how Alaskan Native Americans measured how cold the nights were by how many dogs they needed to keep warm. This type of proximity has historically helped strengthen the relationship between humans and dogs.

Sleeping together not only benefits your dog’s socialization but also intensifies the emotional bond, letting them know they are a valuable member of your ‘pack.’

Many owners also notice that their dogs respond better to training and exhibit more balanced behavior when they share the sleeping space.

If You Sleep With Your Dog Every Night, This Will Happen

When You Shouldn’t Sleep with Your Dog

Although sleeping with your dog offers many benefits, there are situations where you might think twice:

If your dog isn’t fully trained: Nighttime accidents can be a problem if your dog is still young and not trained.
If you are allergic: Even if you love your dog, if allergies severely affect you, consider having a separate bed for them in the same room. This way, you’ll still enjoy their closeness without affecting your health.
If you are a light sleeper: Dogs can move around a lot, dream out loud, and even snore. If you wake up easily, it might be better for your dog to have their own space to sleep.
If you’ve just adopted a dog: A new environment requires a period of adjustment. Let your dog get used to their new home with their own bed in your room.
If there are health issues at play: Whether it’s you or your dog that’s sick or injured, sharing the bed might not be the best option.
If your dog has parasites: It’s crucial to keep your dog clean and dewormed, but if you can’t guarantee this, it’s best not to let them sleep in your room.

Consider all these situations to ensure that both you and your dog get the rest you need. But if none of these apply to you and you want to try sleeping with your furry companion, you now know the benefits that await you.

While sleeping with your dog has numerous scientifically backed benefits, it’s important to consider both your and your dog’s needs before making the decision.

The enhanced sense of security, stress reduction, and improved mental and physical health are significant advantages, but they must be balanced with practical considerations like allergies, sleep patterns, and health conditions.

Ultimately, if it suits your lifestyle and health, sharing your bed with your dog could be a wonderful way to strengthen your bond and improve your overall well-being.

Bibliography: