Recent research spearheaded by Christy L. Hoffman, PhD, reveals that women tend to sleep more soundly next to their canine companions than with human partners or even cats.
Dr. Hoffman, an associate professor specializing in animal behavior and the director of anthrozoology, discovered that while human partners and cats often disrupt a woman's sleep, dogs are less likely to cause any disturbances.
This intriguing phenomenon might be attributed to the fact that dogs' sleep cycles align more closely with those of humans compared to cats. As Hoffman elucidates, "Dogs’ sleep patterns more closely coincide with sleep patterns in humans than do the sleep patterns of cats, which may explain why dog moms adhere to a more consistent sleep routine." Furthermore, when it comes to feelings of comfort and security in bed, dogs outscored both human and feline bedfellows.
This groundbreaking research is rooted in a comprehensive survey involving nearly 1,000 women residing in the United States. The results of this study were published in the esteemed November edition of Anthrozoos, a journal that delves into the intricate relationships between humans and animals.
Since its publication, the findings have captured the attention of both national and international media, with over 100 media entities, including renowned outlets like People magazine, ABC News, CBS News, Psychology Today, The New York Post, Pensionist.dk and the Huffington Post, featuring the study.
In today's fast-paced world, where sleep deprivation is a common concern, these findings offer a fresh perspective on the potential benefits of sharing one's bed with a pet, particularly a dog. Not only do dogs provide warmth and companionship, but they also seem to offer a more restful night's sleep, at least for women.
This research underscores the profound bond between humans and their pets, especially dogs, and how they can positively impact various facets of our lives, including our sleep quality.
