It’s no secret that sleep is essential for overall health. That’s why researchers are constantly exploring ways to improve sleep quality. While many turn to chamomile tea or meditation, new research suggests a different solution—sleeping next to a dog. According to a study conducted by Canisius College in New York, women tend to sleep better beside dogs than humans or cats.

Dogs as Better Sleep Partners Lead researcher and animal behaviorist Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., found that women commonly rate dogs as superior sleeping companions compared to human partners and cats.

Hoffman surveyed nearly 1,000 women across the United States to reach these conclusions. The study revealed that 55% of participants shared their bed with at least one dog, while 31% did so with at least one cat. Additionally, 57% of respondents had a human partner in bed, while the rest did not.

Why Dogs Improve Sleep Quality One reason dogs make great sleep companions is their sleep patterns, which more closely align with human cycles compared to cats.

“The difference between dogs and cats is not surprising because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats,’” Hoffman explained.

Additionally, dogs often adapt better to their owner’s sleep schedule than human partners do. Many couples go to bed and wake up at different times, which can lead to sleep disruptions. In contrast, dogs are more likely to synchronize their rest with their owner’s routine, minimizing disturbances.

Furthermore, having a dog often encourages a structured daily schedule, such as morning walks and set feeding times. These routines help reinforce healthier sleep patterns for pet owners.

Stillness and Security Unlike restless human partners, dogs tend to remain still while sleeping, reducing nighttime disturbances. In contrast, cats are more likely to move on and off the bed, creating interruptions.

“This suggests that cats may be more likely than dogs to create disruptions by moving on and off the bed during the night,” Hoffman noted. “Additionally, we found that dog owners kept to more consistent bedtime and wake time schedules than cat owners and also tended to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than cat owners.”

Another significant factor is the sense of security that dogs provide. Women in the study reported feeling safer with a dog in bed, as canines can alert their owners to potential dangers and deter intruders. This psychological comfort contributes to better sleep quality, a benefit that cats and even human partners may not offer to the same extent.

Are Dogs the Ultimate Sleep Companions? While the study suggests that dogs may be the best bed partners, the benefits are subjective. Some dogs snore or generate excessive body heat, which could be disruptive. Additionally, some pet owners find that their cats help them sleep just as well.

It’s important to note that the study was based on self-reported data, reflecting participants’ perceptions of their sleep quality. More research, possibly using sleep-tracking devices, is needed to provide objective evidence on whether dogs truly enhance sleep more than other companions.

Hoffman believes continued research on this topic could provide valuable insights. “It will be valuable to continue this line of research so we can develop a clearer picture of the contexts under which pets and their presence in their owner’s bed may positively impact sleep quality, and the contexts under which co-sleeping with a pet may be detrimental to one’s sleep quality,” she said.

For instance, while studies suggest women sleep better alone than with a human partner, many believe otherwise. Future research could use devices like Fitbits to track sleep quality across different sleeping arrangements. Until then, it seems many women already trust their four-legged companions to provide a restful night’s sleep.