Survey Findings: Women’s Preference for Dogs in Bed

Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and lead researcher at Canisius College in New York State, conducted a survey among nearly one thousand women across the United States. The results showed that 55% shared their bed with at least one dog, 31% with a cat, and 57% with a human partner.

Benefits of Canine Companionship

Hoffman attributes dogs’ suitability as bed partners to their sleeping patterns, which align more closely with humans compared to cats. Dogs adapt better to their owners’ sleep schedules, potentially leading to fewer disruptions during the night. Moreover, dogs’ regular routines, such as morning walks, help maintain a consistent schedule, thereby improving sleep quality.

Stillness and Security: Traits of Canine Bed Partners

Unlike felines, who tend to come and go, dogs typically stay on the bed throughout the night, providing stability and reducing disruptions, contributing to better sleep quality. Dogs also offer a heightened sense of security to their owners, alerting them to potential intruders or emergencies, unlike cats or human partners.

Subjectivity of Benefits

While the study suggests that dogs are ideal sleep companions, individual preferences and circumstances vary. Some dogs may snore or make the bed too hot, affecting sleep quality. Additionally, some owners find comfort in sleeping with their cats.

Objective Research and Future Considerations

The study relied on participants’ perceptions of their pets’ impact on sleep quality, highlighting the need for more objective research to establish dogs as superior bed partners definitively. Future studies could utilize tracking devices to measure sleep quality objectively in different sleeping conditions.

Continued Research for a Comprehensive Understanding

Hoffman emphasizes ongoing research to better understand the circumstances in which pets positively or negatively influence sleep quality. Further investigation into this topic is essential, given that many American households have pets, to enhance sleep hygiene.