It’s well known that sleep is crucial for good health, which is why so many studies focus on finding ways to improve sleep quality. But move over chamomile tea and bedtime meditation—a recent study suggests that women may actually sleep better next to dogs than human partners. Conducted by Canisius College in New York, this research found that dogs make for better sleep companions than cats or humans.
Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and the study’s lead researcher, explained, “Our findings show that women often rate dogs as superior bed partners to both cats and humans and report improved sleep quality when sharing their bed with their dogs.”
Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs, Study Finds
Hoffman’s survey of nearly a thousand women in the U.S. revealed that 55% of participants slept with at least one dog, 31% with at least one cat, and 57% shared a bed with a human partner, while the remainder did not.
The research also highlighted why dogs appear to be the ideal bedmates. Unlike cats, dogs have sleep cycles more similar to humans, which could play a role in their compatibility as sleeping companions. “Dogs’ primary sleep periods tend to align better with humans’ than those of cats,” Hoffman noted.
In addition, dogs may adjust more easily to their owner’s sleep schedules than human partners, who often go to bed and wake up at different times, potentially disrupting sleep. Dogs also bring consistency to their owner’s routine, such as regular morning walks, which can promote better sleep patterns.
Stability and Security
Dogs tend to remain still while sleeping, unlike fidgety human partners, making them less disruptive bed companions. Unlike cats, which often roam around at night, dogs generally stay on the bed, which participants noted as a benefit. “Cat owners typically follow less consistent sleep schedules compared to dog owners, who tend to go to bed and wake up earlier,” Hoffman added.
Perhaps most importantly, dogs provide a sense of security that cats or human partners might not. “Some dog owners find comfort in knowing their dog will alert them in case of an intruder or emergency, something cats are less likely to do,” Hoffman said.
Are Dogs Really the Best Sleep Partners?
While dogs seem like ideal bed buddies, Hoffman pointed out that this preference is subjective. For example, dogs can snore or overheat the bed, and many cat owners find that their pets also help them sleep well.
This study relied on participants’ perceptions, so Hoffman emphasizes the need for further research to objectively determine the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping with pets. For example, future studies might use sleep-tracking devices to compare the quality of sleep in different settings.