Most people who share their beds with pets experience more benefits than drawbacks from sharing their beds with their pets according to a study.
If you don’t suffer from allergies or a compromised immune system, the two major drawbacks to sharing a bed with your dog are hygiene and sleep disruption. But as long as you can tolerate the smell and hair, and your dog doesn’t wake you up with noise or movement, then co-sleeping with your dog is a win/win.
Sharing a bed with your dog is relaxing and comfortable, and science backs this up. Oh, and it’s good for your dog, too—which is one more reason we love in-home pet sitting (you don’t have to sacrifice the cosy factor!).
Comfort
The rhythmic sound of your dog’s gentle snoring, breathing, and heartbeat can lower your heart rate and a lowered heart rate is generally correlated with less stress and more relaxation. In other words: better sleep!
Warmth
Boyfriend said if we get a dog, she can’t sleep in the bed. liessss
Dogs are just plain warm and cosy. Whether big spoon or small, foot warmer or pillow thief, dogs beat a hot water bottle every time.
Natural anti-depressant
Just touching a dog can boost your brain’s share of oxytocin—the feel-good chemical known as the “love hormone.” Patting your dog is a relaxing way to ease into sleepy-town.
Feel safe
Simply knowing your dog is there to alert you to danger may help you sleep more deeply.
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Calming for dogs too
All that warmth, comfort, and safety are great for dogs too. Co-sleeping can help you develop a strong bond with your dog.
In conclusion…
“…it is best for [dogs] to sleep with men
as they become thereby affectionately attached
pleased with the contact of the human body.”– Arrian of Nicomedia, “Cynegeticus”
Further reading
