Dogs are an important part of any homestead. They protect our livestock, make us aware of approaching visitors, and run off snakes when we walk out to the back acre…. Their influence in our lives might be even more powerful – they may actually help us to get better sleep.
Women Sleep Better With A Dog in the Bed
A new study recently released indicates that women who sleep with dogs in the bed actually sleep more deeply and feel more rested. Women who sleep with a cat or another human in the bed report the opposite. In fact, with the cat and human, the women woke up feeling tired and reported frequently interrupted sleep.
After talking to 962 women, researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville and Canisius College in Buffalo, New York concluded that dogs increase a women’s feelings of security and comfort, and assist in getting a better night’s rest.
More from the Homestead Guru: New Study: Women Live Longer When They Live in Nature
I know this is true for me in my bed. Cats have always caused disruption, likely because they are nocturnal. They tip over cups, knock over trinkets and scratch under the door to come in or out of the room at all hours of the night.
Our dog on the other hand sleeps silently until the last person gets out of our bed, the he joins us for the day. He doesn’t move around, make noise or otherwise disturb me! My previous dogs (2 rottweilers) would actually spoon with me in bed! We had the best rest!
What about you? Do you share your sleeping space with other people or animals? If so, how does that go for you?
At my grandparent’s lake house there were 2 twin beds in their bedroom and I couldn’t figure out as a little kid why two married people would want to sleep in different beds. Then I began to share a bed with my ex-husband. And boy, did I find out that not all humans sleep the same!
More from the Homestead Guru: Study Claims Plants Can Feel When They Are Being Eaten and They Don’t Like It!
Have sleep trouble? Consider getting a dog! You can read the study in the journal of the International Society for Anthrozoology.
If your dog just won’t sleep in your bed (mine won’t), consider getting them a dedicated, comfortable dog bed.
