When my partner and I welcomed our furry friend into our home, I vividly recall my mother advising, “Don’t let the dog sleep on your bed.” So, we prepared a cozy little dog bed for her. However, our pup had other ideas and preferred the couch. Her howling at night led us to consider bringing her bed into our bedroom. Despite our efforts, she wasn’t having it. Eventually, we threw our hands up in defeat and allowed her to join us in bed. She nestled in and fell asleep instantly. Now six years later, she still loves to share our bed.
Contrary to popular belief, sharing your bed with your dog isn’t harmful. In fact, recent research from the Mayo Clinic has dispelled the myth that it negatively impacts sleep. This is a relief for those of us who enjoy nighttime cuddles with our pets. The study involved 40 dogs, all older than six months, monitored over a week. They wore Fitbark devices (similar to a Fitbit for dogs) while their owners used Actiwatch 2 monitors to track their sleep patterns. Participants also maintained sleep diaries.
All study participants were adults without sleep disorders, with 88% being women averaging 44 years old. The dogs averaged five years in age. Findings showed that when a dog shared the bed with its owner, the human’s sleep efficiency (the time spent asleep while in bed) was an acceptable 81%. Interestingly, people experienced slightly better sleep when their dog was in the room, even if not on the bed. The canines had an average sleep efficiency of 85%, regardless of their sleeping arrangement, as long as they were in the bedroom. Although the study focused on one dog per bed, Dr. Angela Reed expressed interest in expanding this research.
This means having your dog sleep beside you won’t disrupt your rest in any significant way. Dr. Lisa Gray, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, shares that her own golden retriever, Bella, often sleeps on the floor but joins her and her husband in bed during chilly nights, and they all sleep soundly. Personally, I find sleeping with my dog far more enjoyable than with a human. She’s the ideal bed partner; she loves being close but also gives me enough space to roll over. During my pregnancy, she would curl up behind my knees, providing warmth and comfort.
With a dog, you don’t typically have to fight for blankets, and while some pups are keen cuddlers, many have their own cozy spots. My pup loves to claim my pillow and quickly occupies my warm spot if I get up. It’s quite adorable.
Of course, some dogs may struggle with sharing a bed. Dr. Mike Jones, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist, notes that certain dogs are more reactive to sudden movements. If an owner inadvertently nudges them, these dogs might react with fear. However, if you’re comfortable with your dog in bed, there’s no issue. If not, Dr. Jones recommends a gradual transition, similar to getting a child out of your bed. It’s essential to determine what your dog enjoys about your bed—whether it’s the softness of pillows or the warmth of a body—and replicate that comfort elsewhere.
If your dog prefers not to sleep in your bed due to your sleeping habits—like loud snoring or other disturbances—consider creating a more inviting space for them. After all, nothing clears my dog out of bed faster than a loud noise.
So, if you love snuggling with your furry friend at night, rest easy. You’re not instilling bad habits or compromising your sleep quality. Dr. Jones reassures us that dogs differentiate their relationships with humans from those with other dogs and don’t view sleeping arrangements as a hierarchy. Ultimately, you must choose what works best for you, your family, and your furry companion. And hey, at least when they drool, they’re undeniably cute!
For more insights into home insemination, check out our post about the at-home insemination kit. And for those interested in enhancing fertility, consider reading about the fertility booster for men. If you’re looking for additional resources on pregnancy, donor insemination is another excellent avenue to explore.
Summary
Sleeping with your dog is not only safe but can also enhance your nighttime experience. Research indicates that it doesn’t negatively impact sleep quality, debunking common myths. While some dogs may not be ideal bed partners, many find comfort in sharing their space with humans. Ultimately, the decision should reflect what works best for you and your furry friend.
Keyphrase: sleeping with your dog
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