They’re already man’s best friend, but could they also be man’s best sleep buddy? In this article, Phil Lawlor, Sleep Expert at mattress specialist Dormeo, shares his insight into why you should consider letting your dog into your bed with you, and your pooch could be the perfect sleep companion
Whether you should let your dog sleep on or even in your bed is a hotly debated topic amongst pet owners. For many, it’s a source of comfort — for others, its fraught with issues such as mucky paw prints on your bedding, not to mention restless nights. However, such a sleeping arrangement could actually have benefits for both your physical and mental health, plus the health and happiness of your pooch.
Below, I’ll take you through three reasons why your dog could be the perfect sleep companion.
It reduces depression and anxiety
Dogs and humans that interact with one another each get a boost of a hormone called oxytocin (National Library of Medicine). This chemical is often called the ‘cuddle hormone’ because it makes us feel good and helps us to form social bonds. This feeling of closeness can even lead to reduced feelings of depression or anxiety, which is one of the reasons why therapy dogs are so effective. By letting your dog sleep in your bed with you, you could find yourself feeling less depressed or anxious as your brain recognises the social bond between you.
It increases your sense of security
In a study, those who slept with a dog in their bed reported sleeping more soundly and feeling more secure when compared with cats or humans (Taylor & Francis Online). Whether that’s because we form stronger bonds with pooches than we do cats, or because they’re less likely to hog the duvet than our partners, or even that we feel more protected from home invaders, it seems that dogs really can be your best friend if you’re looking to feel more cosy at night.
It helps with stress and contributes to a healthier heart
In addition to feeling happier when we interact with our dogs, physically there are benefits too. Research has indicated that a human’s blood pressure goes down when they pet a dog, which can soothe and alleviate the effect of stress on the body, and that owning a dog can even help with issues like heart disease (Harvard Health). So, it stands to reason that having your dog close by when you sleep will allow you to benefit physically from their calming influence.
When is it bad to let your dog sleep in your bed?
If your dog is young, untrained, or you have recently welcomed them to your home, then it’s probably best not to let them sleep in bed with you at first. Although it’s tempting, bedsharing with dogs you haven’t yet formed a pack relationship with can lead to behaviour such as over-attachment, aggression, and jealousy. So, while there are clearly benefits to sharing a bed with a dog, it’s important to establish boundaries first.
Of course, all dogs are different and not every pooch was made to share our sleeping areas. Your dog’s personality or sleep habits could be a reason to keep them away from your bed, as some dogs, particularly very active breeds, can kick you or otherwise lash out when they sleep. Also, their twitching or making noises could disturb your slumber and leave you feeling less than fresh in the morning.
Our furry friend can even bring allergens and dirt with them into your bed which could make you feel ill. That’s why it’s important to take things slow and consider keeping a sleep diary to see whether the arrangement is really working for you.
These are just some of the reasons why you might want to share a bed with your dog – as well as some caveats. If you want to feel happier, more secure, and less stressed, then it could be a good option for you.
Could your pooch be the perfect sleep companion? Let me know in the comments below
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