Oh, the age-old question of co-sleeping with your furry family member! This decision is, of course, a matter of personal opinion. However, is it safe and/or beneficial to your overall well-being to allow your dog to sleep in your bed? Research supports, yes, it is in fact good for your health! According to 2015 research from the Mayo Clinic, co-sleeping with your dog may actually improve your sleep quality! (1)
Here are three reasons sleeping with your dog is good for your health!
Snoozing with Your Dog Reduces Stress
For starters, when we feel safe and protected, our bodies react positively with less anxiety and tension. When cortisol levels are low, it reduces our chances of stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and much more. If your dog brings you a feeling of comfort, calmness, and peace, it’s no surprise that having them beside you all night is good for your health.
For those people who live alone, lost a loved one, are elderly, or just experience loneliness in general, having this companion is great for the mind. Feeling connected is one of the greatest things you can do for your overall health. Pets, especially dogs, are there for you unconditionally and they are often treated equally to the rest of the family.
For women, in particular, 2018 research out of Canisius College in New York State confirms that dogs are even better sleeping partners than humans! (2) So, as long as you are comfortable and not disrupted by your pooch during the night, by all means, share your ZZZs with your pup!
Your Dog Can Add Overnight Protection
Besides from the awesome benefits of reducing stress, your dog can add security and protection to you if he is close by during the night. Having a security system or keeping guns in the home for protection may not be something you believe in or currently use. Instead, having your dog next to you during your sleeping hours can give you a greater sense of protection. Your dog’s great sense of hearing can alert you to immediate danger quicker than if he was on a different level of the home.
Reduce Allergies by Sleeping with Your Dog
Cuddling with a pup early in life can even reduce allergies! Studies suggest that little ones who sleep with a dog are less likely to develop allergies later in life. When a person is exposed to an allergen in large amounts on a regular basis, it can change the bodies’ immune system response. This effect of allergy desensitization can lead to much less of a reaction to the known allergen, in this case, dog dander. (3)
Move Over, Your Dog is Your Forever Bedtime Bud!
As long as your dog is in good health, meaning no fleas, ticks, or other parasites, illnesses, and are up-to-date vaccinations and regular vet checkups, you can sleep safely next to your dog with no worries! (4) There are a few diseases that can be passed from dogs to humans, so make sure everyone is in good health. As for children co-sleeping with the family dog, just make sure the child is old enough to sleep next to his best bud. Children six and under should not be permitted to sleep with their pets. Family members should be of age so they can safely and responsibly co-sleep with the dog. As long as these safety measures are in place, sweet dreams for the whole family, fur babies and all!
