7 Reasons Why Sleeping with Your Dog is Good for You

Our pandemic puppy will be three years old next month. If you’ve been following Can’t Sleep at Nite for a while, you may remember me sleeping with the dog when we first brought her home that first night because I was worried she’d be scared and lonely.  After that first night in our home, she quickly graduated to sleeping with our daughter every night, and to eventually becoming everyone’s sleep buddy, ours included.

And now my DH, who initially resisted even allowing our lovable pooch to set foot (or set paw?) into our room, is the first one to call her over and make room for her on the bed, between the two of us – under the covers – when she comes into our room during her nightly rounds.

So how did he go from “no dogs in the bedroom” to tucking her into our bed at night?  For starters, it’s pretty hard to resist cuddling a little fur-buddy who looks at you with stars in her eyes and who cries with joy every time you come home.  So, when the little fur ball stares up at you with those puppy dog eyes and that your wife, who happens to be a sleep coach, tells you that sleeping with your dog can actually be beneficial for your sleep quality and overall well-being, you give in.

Yes. You read that right. Sleeping with your dog is good for you. So, if you’re looking for an excuse to let your dog share your bed, grab a cuppa, snuggle up with your pup, and read on for the top seven reasons why sharing your bed with your dog can be a positive experience.

Sleeping With Your Dog is Good For You

Enhanced Comfort and Security:

We all know how it feels to curl up under the covers and find that perfect spot that guarantees a night of cozy sleep. Well, adding your four-legged companion to the mix can bring an extra level of comfort and security. The gentle warmth and rhythmic breathing of your dog helps create a soothing atmosphere, and makes you feel safe and content as you drift off to dreamland.

Stress Reduction:

Dogs are natural stress-relievers, and their calming presence can work wonders for your sleep routine. Snuggling up your four-legged friend can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. After a long day, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of your dog’s unconditional love and companionship to melt away your worries and help you ease into a peaceful slumber.

Improved Sleep Patterns:

Believe it or not, dogs have an amazing ability to establish routines. By co-sleeping with your canine pal, you’ll benefit from their consistent sleep-wake patterns, which can influence your own. Dogs are creatures of habit, and their presence in your bed can help regulate your sleep schedule, resulting in more restful nights and energized mornings.

And some dogs, like Quincy, our little terrier mix, actually love sleeping in.  In fact, our dog has decided it is her job to cuddle and watch over us in bed, and she does not get out of bed until every last one of us is up.  She’ll hop from bed to bed and snuggle up to whomever sleeps in the longest. 

Increased Bonding:

Sleeping together can deepen the bond between you and your dog. As you cuddle up close, you’ll experience a sense of closeness and connection that strengthens your relationship. Sharing the same sleeping space can also be a wonderful opportunity for bonding rituals like gentle petting, whispering sweet nothings, or even just enjoying the silent presence of your loyal companion.

Alleviation of Insomnia:

For those who struggle with insomnia, the presence of a dog in your bed can be comforting. Sleeping with the dog has been especially beneficial to our daughter who struggled with anxiety-fueled insomnia. Once Quincy started sharing her bed, the ritual of putting her “fur-baby” to bed really helped her wind down and fall asleep.  

Dogs are natural sleepers, and their peaceful snoozing habits can have a contagious effect on your own sleep struggles. The rhythmic sound of your dog’s breathing and the feeling of their gentle heartbeat can lull you into a state of tranquility, soothe insomnia and help you drift off to sleep.

Relieving Pain and Discomfort:

If you suffer from chronic pain or physical discomfort, sharing your bed with a dog can help alleviate symptoms. Dogs are intuitive creatures and possess an innate ability to sense and respond to our needs. Their warm bodies and nurturing presence can provide physical comfort, offer a natural form of pain relief and make your journey towards sleep a more comfortable one.

Wake-Up to Love and Licks:

Finally, what could be better than starting your day with wake-up love and licks from your furry friend? Okay, maybe not the licks, but the love, exuberance and rejoicing are pretty amazing. Dogs are renowned for their enthusiasm and zest for life, and waking up to their wagging tail and joyous face can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. They’ll remind you that each morning is an adventure-filled new beginning, and that you are worthy of a tail-wagging celebration. Every. Single. Day.

So there you have it, dog lovers and sleep seekers —seven reasons why sharing your bed with your dog can be a positively amazing experience. From increased comfort and reduced stress to improved sleep patterns and enhanced bonding, the benefits are numerous.

Consult Your Loved Ones

Of course, it’s important to consider personal circumstances and sleep preferences. If you’re already sharing your bed with another adult, adding your large Australian Shepherd to the mix might be a tight fit.  And much like with child-rearing, we all have different ideas on where pets should and should not be allowed to go. But if you have the space and that your partner’s cool with it, inviting your furry friend into your sleep space is perfectly fine. It doesn’t make you too permissive, or a bad pet owner. In fact, it can bring about a host of positive outcomes.

So, if you’re a dog lover and have been contemplating whether or not to let your pup share your bed, consider the potential benefits it may bring to your sleep quality, well-being, and the special bond you share with your canine companion. Embrace the joy of snuggling up with your dog and let them be your nighttime sleep buddy for a truly restful and heartwarming experience.

Do you share a bed with your dog (s) or with another pet ? Did it just sort of happen? How does everyone around you feel about it?

Related: Should Your Pet Sleep In Your Bed

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