PexelsA study has revealed the news we’ve all been hoping for – there’s actual scientific evidence that women who want a sound night’s sleep should take their dog to bed.
While they might guilty of being a little wriggly, wanting to sleep in extreme proximity to your face or having a habit of licking your feet all night, the study actually revealed dogs are less unsettling to sleep with than men – so your partner might have to relocate for the sofa.
Of course, they’d probably then get a terrible night’s sleep themselves, but that’s their problem.
PexelsThe study, called ‘An Examination of Adult Women’s Sleep Quality and Sleep Routines in Relation to Pet Ownership and Bedsharing’, examined nearly 1,000 women and also found dogs can help prevent nightmares, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep with a companion who almost certainly won’t be grumpy if you wake them up.
The paper explained:
Compared with human bed partners, dogs who slept in the owner’s bed were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with stronger feelings of comfort and security.
[It] may be related to dogs’ abilities to deter intruders and warn their owners of potential threats.
In comparison, cats were reported to be equally as disruptive as humans when it comes to bedtime – adding another avenue in the argument of dog people versus cat people.
I can vouch for that discovery; whenever I let my cat sleep on my bed she’d lie exactly where I’d want to put my feet, meaning I’d end up in some cramped, curled up position in the corner.
She’d also wake me up in the early hours with a ridiculous wail of a meow to be let out of the room – definitely not resulting in a peaceful night’s sleep.
Having a dog sleep on your bed is like having a teddy bear come to life and reciprocate the love you give them; they’re much more cuddly and joyous than a human partner. I think we should all put these findings to work immediately.
PexelsThe authors added how waking up at a similar time every morning to take care of your favourite pup can assist in creating a beneficial consistent routine for owners.
They wrote:
Dog ownership and its associated responsibilities may cause individuals to adhere to a stricter routine. Keeping to a consistent sleep schedule may be beneficial to dog owners.
Author Jilly Cooper spoke to The Mail on Sunday about curling up with her greyhound Bluebell at night, saying:
My late husband didn’t allow dogs on the bed but I think it’s lovely. Bluebell can be a real pig, I have a huge bed but she insists on edging up next to me. I don’t mind at all.
I really don’t think there are any downsides to dogs. Making the perfect sleeping partner is just another reason they’re the best animals to walk the earth (sorry David Attenborough, I’m easy to please).
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.