Do you let your dog snuggle up in your duvet at night?
Having pets in bed is a contentious topic and one that many pet owners disagree on.
You’ve probably been told that your dog should sleep in his own crate or bed – but according to the latest research, there are actually many benefits to sleeping with your pup.
Dormeo sleep expert Phil Lawalor gives eight reasons why your dog should sleep in your bed.
From improving insomnia to relieving anxiety and stress, there are many ways a furry friend by your side at night can have a positive impact on your health.
1. Helps with insomnia
If you suffer from insomnia, keeping your dog in your bed can help relieve symptoms.
People who suffer from insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.
The presence of a dog has been shown to have amazing calming influences and can even help with relaxation techniques.
Insomnia sufferers usually find that they sleep well with their dog by their side.
2. Relieves anxiety and depression
Sleeping can be one of the toughest battles when suffering from poor mental health, and treatment often comes through therapy.
Dogs have proven to be a form of therapy and studies have shown that just touching a dog reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
Dogs can give you emotional security, but this can also extend to relieving forms of mental illness like anxiety and stress.
3. Reduces feelings of loneliness
Whether you are a single person or an elderly person who is home alone, allowing a dog to sleep in your bed can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
You are most vulnerable in your home at night, so having your dog next to you at night can protect you from harm.
If you are looking for a lovable and devoted companion, a dog is a lifelong and loyal friend who will do his best to protect you.
4. Gives you comfort
During the winter months, there’s nothing quite like having your dog next to you to snuggle you up.
No amount of cushions, pillows or blankets will give you that warm feeling of having your dog by your side.
Whether it’s their furry bodies curling up next to you or their rhythmic breaths helping you fall asleep, you’re missing out if your pooch isn’t sharing the bed with you.
Dogs offer tremendous comfort and can help reduce feelings of loneliness
(Image: Getty)
5. Creates a binding relationship
If you have a young puppy and are hoping to form a good bond between the two of you, sleeping in your bed can allow him to sleep in your bed from an early age so he feels safe and secure in his new environment.
Being moved to a new place can be stressful for your new pup and quite scary since they just left their litter.
Make the big transition as easy as possible for your dog so you don’t get woken up in the middle of the night by constant crying or barking.
6. Provides additional security
Dogs are pretty good at alerting us to suspicious activity around our home, especially at night when we’re trying to get some rest.
However, it’s not just the physical security a dog can provide that can help you sleep at night. The presence of your furry friend can give you a sense of emotional security, which can be beneficial for recovery, especially if you share a room with your pet.
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7. A form of motivation
Taking on the responsibility of caring for a pet means you have to get up and take care of them, which is often the best alarm clock there is.
Sticking to a regular wake-up time each day can improve your overall sleep.
Because your inner clock benefits from a regular routine and can regulate sleep much better if you always get up and go to bed at similar times.
So the next time your dog sniffs your bed in the morning, just think how good he is doing you.
8. Helps switch off
Did you know that doing the same tasks every night is a great way to prepare your body for sleep?
For example, regularly walking your dog before you both settle down, or enjoying snuggling up with your pooch on the sofa in the evenings can help enforce your body clock’s routine.