Better Bedfellows: Sleeping with Dogs vs Partners
Science suggests this fascinating split comes down to a mix of hormonal bonding and nighttime behavior.
- Research indicates that men often experience deeper, more restorative sleep when sharing a bed with their partner because:
- Oxytocin Release: Close physical contact triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, which lowers stress levels and slows heart rate.
- Cortisol Reduction: This bonding hormone actively reduces cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, creating a sense of safety that helps men drift into longer REM cycles.
- Emotional Security: Men frequently report feeling more emotionally secure and relaxed next to their partners, which supports more stable sleep.
- A widely cited study from Canisius College found that for many women, dogs make better bedfellows than humans because:
- Predictability: Dogs typically have consistent sleep patterns that align closely with their owners, unlike human partners who may have irregular schedules or habits.
- Fewer Disruptions: Human partners are more likely to disrupt a woman’s sleep through snoring, blanket-stealing or tossing and turning.
- Stronger Sense of Safety: Women in the study reported that dogs provide a higher sense of comfort and security than either human partners or cats, likely due to a dog’s natural protective instincts.
So ladies, do you sleep better next to your partner or dog?
