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Woman's best friend -

As well as being a best friend to their owner, dogs can also be their best sleep partner. That is particularly the case if their owner is a woman.

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Research-backed information -

Research published in 2018 from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, found that, for women, dogs are better bed partners than human companions.

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Pet impact on sleep -

The study explored the impact pets have on human sleep quality by collecting data from nearly 1,000 women across the United States.

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Sharing with a partner, cat, or dog -

Some 55% of women who took part share their bed with at least one dog. Another 31% share with at least one cat, while 57% sleep beside a human partner.

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The findings -

Christy Hoffman, an animal behaviorist and lead researcher of the study, stated: "We found that women commonly rate dogs as better bed partners than cats and human partners and report that their dogs enhance their sleep quality."

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Sleep disturbance -

Compared to human bed partners, dogs may be better at accommodating their human’s sleep schedule. Humans frequently go to bed and wake up at very different times.

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Sleep disturbance -

These differences in partners’ schedules, among other factors, can lead to interrupted sleep. Dogs may adapt more easily to their owner’s schedule than their human bed partner does, or make less noise.

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Better perception -

Dogs who slept in their owners’ beds were perceived to be less disruptive to that woman's sleep than her human partner.

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On the bed -

Those taking part in the study who confirmed they slept with a dog, reported their dog stayed on the bed most of the night.

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Consistency -

Dog owners may experience better sleep due to keeping a more consistent sleep routine. This is because a dog needs to be taken outside on waking up.

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Consistency -

People who keep a stricter sleep routine tend to be less likely to feel sleepy during the day. They're also typically less likely to report insomnia.

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Comfort and security -

Dogs scored more highly on comfort and security as bed partners. The results showed that some people who slept with a dog—no matter the size or breed—rested better with the animal in the room than without it.

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Comfort and security -

Some dog owners may take comfort in the thought that their dog could alert them if someone tries to intrude, or if there's another type of emergency. What's more, a dog’s bark may act as a deterrent to potential intruders.

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Anxiety reducing -

People with depression or anxiety may benefit from having their dog in the bed, since feelings of comfort and security increase for those with a dog sleeping next to them.

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Feline friends -

What about our other furry friends? Well, cats sleeping in beds with their owners were found to be equally as disruptive as human partners.

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Feline friends -

Those who slept with cats also reported fewer feelings of comfort and security than those who slept with both dogs and humans.

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Nocturnal animals -

Cats are nocturnal, so they may be more active at night, disrupting sleep. They're also known to enjoy pouncing on toes or sleeping on top of their owner's head—factors that could be why cat owners don't find their sleep quality improves with a feline friend.

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Co-sleeping with your dog -

Successfully co-sleeping with your dog has a lot to do with how deeply both you and your pet sleep. Like people, dogs can also snore, so be sure to take that into account.

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Co-sleeping with your dog -

Another thing to remember is that small dogs like to snuggle under the covers, next to their person, which can raise your body temperature. A higher temperature affects the quality of your sleep.

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Solid sleep time -

A chronic lack of solid sleep can really have a negative impact on your quality of life, as it impacts your ability to pay attention, learn new things, be creative, solve problems, and make decisions.

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When shouldn't you sleep with your dog? -

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleeping with a furball might not be the best idea.

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Behavior myth -

There are many myths circulating that letting your dog sleep in bed with you will cause behavioral challenges, but there’s no real evidence that this is the case.

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Tips for sleeping with your dog -

If you do decide to sleep with your pet, there are a number of ways to boost your sleep quality for both you and your animal.

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Mattress size -

Make sure that your mattress is big enough to accommodate you, your dog, and anyone else you share the bed with. This will reduce disturbances due to moving around over the course of the night.

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Wash sheets and bedding regularly -

Any pet beds or blankets you bring into your bedroom should be routinely washed, to stop the spread of unwanted germs.

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Wash sheets and bedding regularly -

If your pet spends time outside, you might consider washing down their paws and coat to keep dirt, pesticides, and outdoor allergens away from your sheets and bedding.

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Vet visits -

Keep your dog up to date on vet visits to make sure they're disease free, to protect you, too. Following the correct vaccination schedule, as well as getting treatment for fleas, ticks, or worms when needed will stop you becoming ill as well.

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One last walk before bed -

Take your dog for a last walk before bedtime so they can relieve themselves and burn off any extra energy they still have, so they are ready for a solid night's sleep.

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A consistent bedtime routine -

Going to sleep each day at the same time and waking up each day at the same time is good for both humans and their animals.

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A consistent bedtime routine -

This is because dogs have a circadian rhythm, like humans, that dictates their sleep-wake cycles. Less deviation from it equates to less restless nights and much better sleep! 

Sources: (CNN) (Canisius University) (NBC) (Healthline) (Sleep Foundation) (New York Post)

See also: The beautiful bond between pets and their owners

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