Is it beneficial to sleep with our pets? This question, so common in homes that share life with animals, has been a cause of debate and even conflict in coexistence. Some consider that pets should have their own space to rest, citing possible problems with spoilage or interruptions in sleep.
However, a recent study led by Dr. Christy Hoffman, from Canisius College in Buffalo, United States, and published in National Geographic magazine, sheds new light on this issue.
The study, which involved 962 American women, analyzed the sleeping habits of those who shared their beds with different partners, including furry friends and humans. The results revealed that dogs outperformed cats and humans because they are the best bed companions.
According to the report, women who sleep with dogs, either only with them or also accompanied by cats, tend to go to bed and get up earlier than those who only share their bed with felines.
This pattern translates into greater regularity in sleep schedules throughout the week, probably due to the dogs' care needs.
In addition to providing a sense of security and companionship, research volunteers said that sleeping with their pets generally provided better quality sleep compared to sleeping with a partner. This is due, in part, to the less movement pets typically have during the night, resulting in fewer sleep interruptions.
Finally, it is highlighted that sharing a bed with a dog specifically can have additional health benefits. These include the promotion of more regular and orderly sleeping habits, as well as a positive impact on mental health, a phenomenon that has also been observed in those who share their beds with cats.
