To let your dog sleep in your bed or not — that’s often the big question. Personally, I find it cozy and relaxing to have my dog curled up beside me at night, even if it means washing my sheets a bit more often.
Dog owners are divided on the issue. Some say it’s unhygienic, while others insist it’s comforting and even improves sleep quality. But now, new research reveals that sleeping with your four-legged friend may actually have several surprising health benefits.
A study conducted at the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, involving 150 participants, found some fascinating results. Among them, 56% shared their bed or bedroom with a dog or cat, and 41% reported sleeping better because of their pets, according to the Daily Mail.
Researchers discovered that, in most cases, sleeping next to a dog helped owners feel calmer, safer, and more emotionally balanced.
Still unsure? Here are eight proven benefits of sharing your bed with your dog:
1. Comforting
Having your furry best friend close for cuddles boosts your mood and helps you unwind before sleep.
2. Helps You Drift Off
If you struggle to fall asleep, your dog might help. Studies show that dogs lower stress levels, promoting relaxation and faster sleep onset.
3. Reduces Stress
Dogs are natural stress relievers. Therapy dogs, for example, are used to comfort people after traumatic experiences — proof of their powerful emotional effect.
4. Provides Warmth
Dogs love being near their humans, and during winter, their body heat provides extra warmth that can make a big difference on cold nights.
5. Reduces the Risk of Depression
Dogs offer unconditional love. For people battling depression, that simple presence and affection can significantly improve mental well-being.
6. Creates a Safe Space
Even if your dog isn’t a trained guard, their presence makes most owners feel safer. Dogs’ sharp hearing and alertness help deter intruders and offer peace of mind.
7. Good for Your Dog, Too
It’s not just humans who benefit — dogs feel happier, loved, and more secure when they can sleep close to their owners.
8. Boosts Brain Health
When you pet your dog or share a calm moment together, your brain releases oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This increases relaxation, confidence, and psychological stability — all linked to better brain health.
Sleeping with pets isn’t just an emotional choice — it’s linked to measurable improvements in mental health, stress reduction, and sleep quality, making it a trending topic in health insurance, sleep wellness, and mental health programs.
Sharing your bed with your dog isn’t for everyone, but for many, it’s a source of comfort, joy, and better rest. So, if you’ve ever doubted whether to let your pup climb under the covers — science says it might just be good for both of you.
Share this article with fellow pet lovers — they might discover that a little extra fur in the bed can actually lead to a healthier, happier life.
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