It’s well known that sleep is vital for overall health, but new research suggests an unexpected factor that may enhance sleep quality for women: sleeping next to dogs. A study from Canisius College in New York found that women tend to sleep better with dogs than with humans or cats.
Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and lead researcher, surveyed nearly 1,000 women in the U.S., revealing that 55% sleep with a dog, while 31% share their bed with a cat. She explains that dogs’ sleep cycles are more in sync with humans, causing fewer disturbances compared to cats, which are more active at night.
Beyond sleep patterns, dogs also provide a sense of security, as many women feel safer knowing their pet can alert them to potential threats. However, factors like snoring or overheating may still affect sleep. Further studies are needed to better understand these findings.
