Although cats and dogs can be infamous for disturbing our sleep at night, pets are also known for assisting in our ability to get a better night’s rest for several reasons. While a majority of pet owners view their furry friends as family members, it’s no surprise that our beds are overflowing with cold noses and warm hearts. So move aside, spouses – animals are taking over! Me personally? Forget a significant other…I can’t sleep without Wynston! I need him close to me in bed every night, and now he’s become necessary in helping me sleep at night. Here I have for you, the benefits of sleeping with a dog.
The Benefits of Sleeping With a Dog
Lower Blood Pressure
Dogs (and cats) have been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can be caused by stress or genetics, but whatever the case, pets can lower it! If you’re going through a particularly stressful time in your life, sleeping with a pet can literally benefit your health according to studies. So do it.
Relieve Anxiety
Doing anything with Wynston helps my anxiety. Sleeping is no different. Laying in bed at night worrying yourself sick? Sleeping close to your dog and focusing on them can help reduce anxiety.
Safety
Having a dog in bed with you can add a sense of safety. Even if you have an 8lb baby like myself, having a “guard dog” in bed with you creates a feeling of security.
Decrease loneliness
This is a given. You’re never alone when there’s a canine companion in the mix! You’ll never sleep alone 😉
Helps Insomnia
Wynston’s rhythmic breathing can put me to sleep almost immediately. I’ve had a really difficult time sleeping the last six months and I can always count on Wyn to help me. If I put my head up against him, the feeling and sound of his breathing relaxes me and takes all my worries away. I admit I’ve come to count on him during times of restlessness.
Keeps You Warm
Snuggle up to your pup for ultimate warmth! Doggies are like little space heaters. It doesn’t get any better than a beating heart and warm fur up against you at night.
Aids With Depression
As someone who suffers from clinical depression, I know first hand that pets can help people get through even the worst of days. During bouts of depression sleep schedules can be especially difficult to maintain, but dogs help with that. They assist in keeping us to a routine, while helping us battle all of the other side effects that come along with this nasty chemical imbalance.
Nurtures Bond
Sleeping with your dog helps strengthen your bond. Snuggling and sharing space facilitates love and trust. I always kiss Wynston goodnight (several times) and kiss him good morning (several more times). Dogs feel the love, and they return it tenfold.
Do you sleep with your pets?
I sleep with no less than two animals in bed with me every night. McKenzie Rae and Wynston are always with me no matter what. My cats don’t let me sleep soundly at night so a lot of times I have to shut the door to keep them out. I can’t sleep without Wynston. Period. But what about you? Do you sleep with your pets at night? Do you find yourself needing a special animal with you in bed like I do?
Kylie says
Always. I’ve had her for two years now and even the first night we got her I was sleeping with her in my bed. She is a snuggle bug and if I’m n sleeping with her it’s either cause I’m not home or she wants to sleep next to the older dog. I’ve realized I’ve gotten so used to sleeping with her that I have so much trouble going to sleep and staying asleep when she’s not there. She helps me sleep. Has eased what I think is insomnia. I’m on vacation and I woke up at 6am and I can’t go back to sleep cause I don’t have her. I have been cuddling my pillow for the last hour trying to go to sleep but it doesn’t work like my pup.
Kayla says
I have a dog that is my whole world. I prefer her over almost everyone. She always stays right by my side when im sleeping or sitting on the couch and she makes me feel a lot more loved and safe
CJ Jones says
I always sleep with my dog. Recently more often then others. He is always with me wether i’m sleeping in my bed or on the couch he’s always there keeping me comfortable. Sometimes if he isn’t in here with me (despite the fact that he’s a very small dog. i have no idea what he would do) i feel very unsafe and alone. Almost like he makes sure nothing is there to get me. When he isn’t in here with me i get so much anxiety about my surroundings. I have. diagnosed anxiety and depression , my dog helps resolve about 70% of those problems just being there by my side.
Ash says
I also have Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, along with ADHD and recently found out I’m on the Autism Spectrum. I have a Service Dog for my anxiety disorder, a Boxer named Mnemy and I can’t sleep without her on the bed. Even nap usually. The second she lays down against me it completely changes my anxiety level and helps me relax. Her breathing can help me be mindful. And the more pressure she puts against me the better. And my fiancée came with a dog, too! A Lacy Cur named Miles. I sleep the best when she gets up early and both dogs lay close against me.