It's well-known that quality sleep is essential for good health, which is why researchers focus on how to improve it. While methods like drinking chamomile tea or meditating are often recommended, new research suggests that for women, the best sleep companion might be a dog. A study by Canisius College in New York found that women tend to sleep better next to dogs than humans or cats.
“We found that women frequently rate dogs as better bed companions than cats or human partners, reporting that their dogs improve their sleep quality,” said Dr. Christy Hoffman, an animal behaviorist and lead researcher of the study.
Research Reveals Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs
Hoffman surveyed nearly 1,000 women in the U.S. for her study. Results showed that 55% of the participants shared their bed with at least one dog, 31% with at least one cat, and 57% with a human partner.
The study highlighted that dogs’ sleep patterns align more closely with human sleep cycles compared to cats. “This difference isn’t surprising,” said Hoffman. “Dogs’ major sleep periods tend to mirror those of humans, whereas cats are more nocturnal.”
Though these patterns may help improve sleep, Hoffman noted that further research is needed to confirm this. Still, she offered some insights: “Compared to human partners, dogs might be better at accommodating their owner’s sleep schedule. Human partners often go to bed and wake up at different times, which can disrupt sleep, whereas dogs may adjust more easily.”
Additionally, owning a dog requires sticking to regular schedules, such as morning walks, which can help maintain a consistent routine—an important factor in getting better sleep.
Stillness and Security
Another reason dogs make ideal sleeping companions is their stillness. Women in the study reported that their dogs tended to stay on the bed throughout the night, unlike cats, which often roam and disrupt sleep.
“Cats are more likely to create disturbances by moving on and off the bed during the night. We also found that dog owners maintained more consistent bedtime and wake time schedules than cat owners and typically went to bed earlier,” Hoffman explained.
Perhaps most significantly, dogs provide a sense of security. Many women feel safer knowing their dog might alert them to an intruder or emergency, which offers psychological comfort. Cats and even human partners are less likely to provide this level of reassurance.
The Best Bed Partner for Quality Sleep
While the study suggests dogs make great sleep companions, these benefits can vary. Some dogs snore or generate heat, making it harder to sleep. There are also many cat owners who feel their pets enhance their sleep quality.
It’s important to note that the study is based on participants’ perceptions of their pets’ effects on sleep. More objective research, such as using sleep-tracking devices, would provide a clearer understanding of how pets influence sleep. Nevertheless, Hoffman believes these studies are valuable, given the prevalence of pets in American households.
“It will be helpful to continue researching how pets in the bed affect sleep, both positively and negatively,” Hoffman said.
In fact, other research has found that women sleep better alone than with a human partner, despite common beliefs. Future studies using technology like Fitbit-like devices could provide more data on how different sleeping arrangements impact sleep quality.
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