Potential Health Impacts of Sharing a Bed with Your Canine Companion: Scientific Debate Ensues
In the realm of sleep science, the question of whether sharing a bed with a dog impacts human sleep quality has been a topic of interest. Recent studies offer a mixed picture, suggesting that under certain conditions, co-sleeping with canine companions can be compatible with good sleep, while for others, it may lead to minor disturbances.
One study involving 40 participants and their dogs found that having a dog in the bedroom did not significantly disrupt sleep for most people. Interestingly, when the dog slept on the bed, sleep efficiency dropped slightly to 80%, compared to 83% when the dog was in the room but not on the bed. This study also highlighted that dogs and their human counterparts demonstrated a fairly synchronized sleep pattern, with dogs averaging around 6.9 hours of sleep per night.
However, it's important to note that not all research points towards the same conclusion. For instance, a Mayo Clinic questionnaire revealed that around half of pet owners experienced disturbances during the night due to their pets. Complaints ranged from snoring to noises, with some pets waking their owners. Despite these disturbances, no major difference was found in total sleep time or next-day tiredness between those who allowed dogs on their beds and those who did not.
The presence of a pet triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is also released when bonding with a baby or romantic partner. This hormone, which calms the nervous system, has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, and improved cardiovascular health. As such, co-sleeping with a dog may offer psychological benefits such as increased comfort and reduced anxiety.
In the case of veterans with PTSD, sleeping with a service dog has been found to significantly improve sleep quality, decrease nightmares, and increase time spent in deep sleep. This suggests that under specific circumstances, the presence of a well-trained and well-behaved dog can be beneficial for sleep.
However, it's crucial to consider that individual experiences vary, and some owners may experience more disruptions depending on pet behavior and health. Furthermore, the studies reviewed did not include participants with sleep disorders, multiple pets, or pets other than dogs.
In conclusion, while the evidence supports that sharing a bedroom or bed with dogs can be compatible with good sleep quality, particularly when the dog is healthy and orderly, some owners may experience minor disturbances from pet movements or noises during the night. It's essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as wiping paws after walks, using a separate blanket or designated sleeping spot, bathing the dog regularly, and keeping vaccinations up to date, to manage the health risk of sleeping with a dog.
Context is also important. Well-exercised, properly trained, and given clear boundaries dogs are less likely to cause nighttime disturbances. However, co-sleeping only reinforces problematic behavior if those issues already exist. Therefore, every human-canine relationship is different, and if a dog is disrupting a person's sleep, new boundaries should be set.
Ultimately, the decision to share a bed with a dog should be based on an individual's personal preferences, lifestyle, and the unique dynamics of their relationship with their pet. For some, the peace, reduced stress, and emotional security that comes with co-sleeping may outweigh the few lost minutes of sleep.
Science suggests that co-sleeping with dogs can potentially contribute to good sleep quality in certain situations. In health-and-wellness, the release of oxytocin during such interactions may lead to mental-health benefits like reduced anxiety and improved cardiovascular health, as this hormone calms the nervous system.
