We all know that a good night’s sleep is essential for our health. Researchers have been exploring various ways to ensure better-quality sleep for years. But here’s a surprising finding: recent research suggests that women actually sleep better next to dogs than humans or even cats.

Canisius College in New York State conducted a fascinating study uncovering that our canine friends might be the best sleeping partners. According to Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and the lead researcher of the study, women often rated dogs as better bed companions.

Research Finds that Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs

Hoffman and her team surveyed nearly a thousand women across the United States. They discovered that 55% of the women shared their bed with at least one dog, while 31% shared it with at least one cat. Interestingly, 57% of these women also had a human partner with whom they shared their bed.

The reason behind dogs being such great bed partners is related to their sleep patterns, which are more in sync with humans compared to cats. Hoffman explained, “The difference between dogs and cats is not surprising because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats’.”

Although more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon, Hoffman has some insights. She noted that dogs might better accommodate their human companion’s sleep schedules. Unlike human partners who might have different bedtimes and wake-up times, dogs can adapt more readily to their owner’s schedule.

Furthermore, the routines required for dog care, like morning walks, help their owners stick to a consistent schedule, positively impacting sleep quality.

Stillness and Security

Another benefit of sleeping next to dogs is that they tend to be less fidgety. If you’ve ever had a restless sleep partner, you know how disruptive it can be. The study found that dogs usually stayed in bed most of the night, unlike cats, who tend to roam around.

Hoffman pointed out, “This suggests that cats may be more likely than dogs to create disruptions by moving on and off the bed during the night. Additionally, dog owners kept to more consistent bedtime and wake time schedules than cat owners.”

Moreover, dogs provide a heightened sense of security, more so than cats or even human partners. Hoffman remarked, “Some dog owners may take comfort in the thought that their dog will alert them in the case of an intruder or other type of emergency; furthermore, a dog’s bark may deter a potential intruder. A cat is less likely to take on this role, and so, may not provide psychological comfort in the same way a dog might.”

The Best Partner for Quality Sleep

While this study suggests that dogs can be ideal sleep partners, it’s essential to remember that these findings are subjective. Some dogs may snore or make the bed too hot, affecting sleep for some people. Likewise, many cat owners find their feline friends comforting when it comes to sleep.

The study relies on the volunteers’ perceptions of how their pets influence their sleep quality. Therefore, it’s vital to continue researching this topic to draw more objective conclusions. Hoffman believes that ongoing research could help clarify how pets’ presence in the bed can either enhance or disrupt sleep quality.

Interestingly, some research indicates that women sleep better alone than with a human partner, even though many might think otherwise. Future studies might employ devices similar to Fitbits to objectively monitor how different sleeping conditions affect sleep quality.