Study Shows Dog Owners Sleep Better and Feel Safer at Night

If you’ve ever fallen asleep with a dog curled up at your feet, you probably already know: it just feels good. But now, research confirms that this cozy habit might actually be improving your sleep.

A study from the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Sleep Medicine found that people who share a bed or even just a room with their dog reported better sleep quality and a stronger sense of safety at night.

The science behind that calm, cozy feeling

According to the study, having a dog nearby while you sleep can ease nighttime anxiety and support relaxation. Dogs offer a sense of protection and emotional connection, which helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress hormones like cortisol.

Researchers discovered that the presence of a pet can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, creating an ideal internal environment for falling and staying asleep.

Interestingly, it’s not just about the cuddles. Even when dogs slept in their owners’ room, rather than in the bed, participants still reported better sleep overall.

Sleep benefits without the snoring?

The study also pointed out that sharing a bed with a human partner was more likely to disturb sleep than sharing it with a dog. Dogs tend to move less during the night, and their presence is perceived as non-judgmental and comforting, especially for people who live alone.

Final thoughts

Sleeping near your dog might be one of the simplest ways to improve your sleep quality. It’s not just cute, it’s backed by science. So if your dog’s been eyeing a permanent spot on the bed, the research might just be on their side.

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Sources:

• Krahn, L. E., et al. (2017). The Effect of Dogs on Human Sleep in the Home Sleep Environment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings

• American Heart Association (2019). Pets and Heart Health