The next time your furry friend wants to sleep in your bedroom, you might have to say yes. A recent study released by the Mayo Clinic, revealed that adults that slept with their dog in their bedroom showed a better night sleep
Researchers from the Mayo clinic tracked the activity of 40 adults without sleep disorders who slept with a dog in their bedroom over five months. Findings concluded that having a dog near you at night helped them sleep better regardless if the dog was the size of a Labrador or a Pug.
“Most people assume having pets in the bedroom is a disruption,” says Lois Krahn, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at the Center for Sleep Medicine on Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campus and an author of the study said, according to the Sleep Review. “We found that many people actually find comfort and a sense of security from sleeping with their pets.”
But what about on the bed? Many dog owners like to snuggle with their best friend. Sorry so say that the same research shows it might not be the best thing for a restful night. Researchers indicated that by having dogs in the bed, it could impact one’s sleep quality.
“Humans with a single dog in their bedroom maintained good sleep efficiency; however, the dog’s position on/off the bed made a difference,” the study indicated.
So maybe it’s time to invest in that comfortable dog bed.
“The relationship between people and their pets has changed over time, which is likely why many people in fact do sleep with their pets in the bedroom,” says Krahn as reported by the Sleep Review. “Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that. And, now, pet owners can find comfort knowing it won’t negatively impact their sleep.”
The benefits to having a dog goes beyond sleep quality. Animal Planet reported that,
“The University of Wisconsin-Madison pediatrician James E. Gern conducted a number of studies that demonstrate having a pet in the home can actually lower a child’s likelihood of developing related allergies by as much as 33 percent,” according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
In addition, research has shown having a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, feelings of loneliness and increase opportunities for activity, exercise and socialization. In the end, the most important benefit is that you have a best friend.
Read more about healthy habits to improve your sleep and health at TechCo