The Unseen Benefits of Sleeping with Your Dog

Do I even need to convince you of this? If you want to have peace and love in your life, sleep with your dog people!

The idea of snuggling up with your beloved pet is likely something you already appreciate, but did you know that sharing your sleep space with your furry friend has more benefits than just fostering love? In this article, we delve into seven secret health advantages of sleeping with your dog.

For all we know, you might already be sharing your bed with your dog - 56% of owners do that, according to a survey. Yet many don’t know that cuddling up to this happy creature while sleeping can actually provide many benefits! Read on to find out!

1. Eases Depression:

Presence of dogs increases the level of the love-hormone oxytocin and helps ease the symptoms of depression.

Sleeping alongside your dog can lead to an increase in oxytocin, often called the love hormone. Studies have shown that this hormone helps alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Additionally, pets can be a vital source of comfort and support for individuals with long-term mental health concerns

2. Combats Insomnia:

If falling asleep is a challenge, incorporating your dog into your bedtime routine might provide a solution. Research suggests that the presence of a dog in bed reduces stress and anxiety, allowing for relaxation and better sleep quality.

Apart from everything else, also make sure that your bed is comfortable enough to help improve the quality of your sleep. You can check out these sleeping gears by Cosee to sleep comfortably at night.

 3. Enhances Theta Brainwaves

During the REM stage of sleep, sharing your sleeping space with your dog can promote theta brainwave activity. These brainwaves are associated with memory, intuition, imagination, and emotions. The synchronization of heartbeats between you and your dog during sleep contributes to a calming effect.

Sleeping with your dog promotes these theta brainwaves that occur during the REM stage of your sleep. When your pet dog is with you, your heartbeats sync-up which proves how effective a dog is in calming down its human.

4. Offers a Sense of Security:

Your pet dog is your savior, human!

As per studies, sleeping with your pet dog can impact the quality of your sleep by a significant amount merely because of the sense of protection it provides.

Your canine companion serves as a natural protector. Studies indicate that sleeping with your dog can significantly enhance your sense of security. Dogs' innate protective instincts make them ideal companions, particularly for individuals living alone.

5. Reduces Loneliness:

Dogs are called the man’s best friend for a reason. As per recent studies, those who are feeling lonely and sad often benefit a lot from the companionship of a pet.

Dogs are rightly known as man's best friend. Recent research shows that the companionship of a pet can alleviate feelings of loneliness and sadness. Having a loyal furry friend by your side as you sleep can help mitigate these emotions.

The companionship that your dog provides will help ease your distress and sadness, in turn helping you relax enough to sleep peacefully and live a healthy life.

6. Alleviates Stress:

Did you know that 74% of pet owners have reported improved mental health in presence of a pet? Yep, that’s right!

Pet owners often report improved mental health and reduced stress levels in the presence of their pets. Cuddling with your dog before bedtime triggers the release of oxytocin, fostering relaxation and stress relief.

 7. Lowers blood pressure, better heart health

Yes, sleeping with a pet is nothing less than a magical treatment for many ailments. According to a study, spending time with dogs, especially regular physical contact with them like petting, often leads to a lower blood pressure reading.

Sleeping with your pet isn't just comforting; it can also have positive effects on your physical health. Studies suggest that spending time with dogs and engaging in physical contact like petting can lead to lower blood pressure readings and better heart health.

The American Heart Association also acknowledges the benefits of pet ownership for a healthy heart.

As per another study, 41% of pet owners admitted that sleeping with their pets improved their overall quality of life!

Things to consider

While it’s great to listen to these benefits and wanna call your dog over to your bed, make sure you consider other factors as well.

While the benefits are compelling, it's essential to set boundaries for a comfortable co-sleeping arrangement. Defining specific areas of the bed for your dog and maintaining consistent routines can help create a harmonious sleep environment. Be aware of your dog's habits and preferences to ensure a restful night's sleep for both of you.

If you sleep with your dog every night, even they get habitual of this routine. So if one night you suddenly don’t want your pet in the bed like every other night, they might start whining and show discomfort.

Make sure they are not sleeping under the bed covers or on pillows if they do sleep on your bed. Check out these beautiful pillows and cushions provided by Cosee for extra comfort.

So go considering everything, make your choice. Setting a few boundaries can go a long way! Enjoy your sleep with you warm fuzzball!

FAQ's Related to 7 Secret Health Benefits Of Sleeping With Dogs:

Is it true that sleeping with my dog can help improve my sleep quality? 

Yes, studies have shown that sleeping with your dog can actually improve sleep quality. The presence of a dog in bed can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed and restful sleep.

Can sleeping with my dog help with feelings of loneliness and depression? 

Absolutely. Dogs are known for their companionship and emotional support. Sleeping with your dog can alleviate feelings of loneliness and even help increase oxytocin levels, which are associated with improved mood and reduced depression symptoms.

Are there any considerations I should keep in mind if I want to sleep with my dog? 

Yes, it's important to set boundaries and routines. Designate specific areas of the bed for your dog, and establish consistent sleeping habits. This can help ensure a comfortable and harmonious sleeping arrangement for both you and your pet.

Can sleeping with a dog really have an impact on heart health and blood pressure? 

Yes, research suggests that spending time with dogs and engaging in physical contact, like petting, can lead to lower blood pressure readings and promote better heart health. The companionship and stress-relief provided by your dog can contribute to these positive effects.

Will my dog's sleeping patterns affect my own sleep cycles? 

Dogs do have different sleep patterns than humans, and they may experience periods of activity during the night. However, many dogs adapt their sleep cycles to match those of their owners. Introducing routines and providing comfortable sleep spaces for your dog can help create a more aligned sleep schedule for both of you.