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Sleep Expert Reveals Benefits to Co-sleeping with Your Dog?

sleeping with Your Dog

Anyone who has had the experience of bringing home a new puppy, full of promises to not let it jump on the sofa, let alone sleep in your bed, knows these can often be difficult to keep. In fact, statistics from SleepHealthJournal.org, show approximately 50% of adult pet owners allow their pets to sleep in their bed, with many benefits to their sleep quality.

If this situation sounds familiar to you, or if you are trying to convince your partner that your dog should be allowed to squeeze in between you both, Martin Seely, resident sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay has lifted the lid on the six benefits surprising benefits that sharing a bed with your furry friend can have.

1. You’ll sleep more deeply

“Research published in Front Psychol has shown that sharing a bed with your dog can boost oxytocin levels also known as ‘the love hormone’. This natural response helps promote deeper sleep, by creating feelings of contentment and safety. Interestingly, people who sleep alongside their pets also reported fewer trips to the doctor, so our pets really can have a positive effect on our sleep habits.”

2. You’ll experience less nightmares 

“Sharing your bed with your dog can also help prevent nightmares, especially if you suffer from nightmare anxiety or PTSD.

Dogs are remarkably attuned to human emotions, often providing a calming presence that can reduce the likelihood of vivid nightmares. Their ability to soothe anxiety and stress means you may find yourself enjoying a more restful, uninterrupted sleep.”

3. You’ll feel safe and protected

“Your dog’s instinct is to protect you – you’re their best friend, after all! Historically dogs have been trained to protect their owners, and even small breeds like Border Terriers are hardwired to keep an eye out for danger.

This sense of protection and security – whether the threat is real or imagined – is going to make you feel far more at ease come nighttime, helping you drift off without any worries of intruders.”

4. Lowers your stress levels 

“High levels of cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone – makes it very difficult to fall asleep. Research has shown that simply petting a dog can significantly lower your cortisol levels, and release the same hormone involved in bonding between mothers and their newborn. So, if your dog feels like family, that’s not just emotional—it’s biological!””

5. Blood pressure benefits

“Sharing a bed with your dog not only reduces stress but can help to lower your blood pressure.

High cortisol levels can elevate blood pressure which can lead to headaches, chest pain and even more serious conditions like sleep apnea. By reducing these stressors, your dog indirectly contributes to better heart health, allowing for a more restful night’s sleep.”

6. You’ll experience less allergies 

“Having pets in the home, especially cats and dogs, can also boost your immune system. Research suggests that exposure to pets’ microbiomes can enhance your immunity, particularly in homes with cats and dogs.

What’s more, children raised around pets have been found to develop fewer allergies when they grow up, thanks to early exposure to these pet-related microorganisms from an early age, allowing them to build up a tolerance.”

For more information please visit: https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/snooze-news/post/6-sleep-benefits-of-sharing-a-bed-with-your-dog

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