Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs Than Next to Men, According to a Study

Curiosities
year ago

If you’re searching for an excuse to adopt a furry friend, look no further. Dogs have always been “man’s best friend,” but it turns out they can also be a woman’s best sleeping partner as illustrated by a study.

Before we kick our significant others out of bed, we at Bright Side decided to understand why women get a better night’s sleep if they snuggle up with a pup.

Dog lovers unite, for a 2018 study brings good news: most women sleep better next to dogs than they do next to cats or a human partner. 962 women in the United States were questioned for the study, out of which roughly half slept with at least one dog, 1/3 slept with a cat and over half of them slept with a human partner.

Compared to women sleeping with a cat or a human, those sleeping near a dog reported higher levels of comfort and security. This is most likely because dogs are known for their ability to protect their owners and deter any intruders. Unlike cats and humans, they are able to warn their owners about potential danger much sooner and more effectively.

Dogs can also encourage healthier sleeping patterns with their owners. Unlike cats, they spend 75% of the night sleeping and have a significantly lower nocturnal activity level. So sorry cat lovers, but sleeping with your cat is just as disruptive as sleeping with a human. In addition, cats scored the lowest when it came to feelings of security and comfort.

However, another study found that rather than sleeping directly next to your dog, both men and women tend to rest better with their dog in the same room. This is also a great way to spend more quality time with your furry friends if you’re gone most of the day for work, even if they’re not napping directly next to you.

Let us know whether you’re a dog or a cat person yourself! Do you sleep with your pet? Do you agree or disagree with the study?

Please note: This article was updated in January 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.
Preview photo credit jessleebuchanan / instagram

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