In a time when most of us are feeling a lot more stressed, there’s some good news. Having your dog sleep beside you in bed is actually a lot more beneficial than you might think.
Newborn puppies huddle together because that’s where they feel the safest and most comfortable. When your dog wants to sleep beside you, it’s because she considers you “part of the pack”. But she’s not the only one who benefits from snuggling at night! Here are four reasons why sleeping with your furry friend next to you might improve your health and well-being.
1. Dogs make you feel safer
A survey carried out by Policy Expert showed that 41% of people feel safer when they live with a dog, and 75% feel as if having a dog reduces the likelihood of their homes being broken into.
You’re at your most vulnerable when you’re in bed, especially if you live alone — so chances are you’ll feel safer if you have your pooch snuggled up beside you. That feeling of safety and security is bound to result in a good night’s sleep too!
2. Being close to your dog can make you feel happier
Dogs are their own kind of antidepressant. Spending time with your pup — even just gazing 4 into her eyes — releases oxytocin. Commonly nicknamed “the love hormone” or the “the cuddle hormone”, oxytocin is released when you look at your dog. If
just looking at your dog makes you happier, imagine what a cuddle will do!
3. Dogs can ease stress and anxiety
When we climb into bed at night, we have a tendency to worry and overthink, which results in a not-so-great night’s sleep. Spending time with our dogs, whether it be taking them for a walk, or having them beside us in bed can lower our cortisol levels, which is the hormone our bodies release when we’re stressed out. Lower cortisol levels may help keep blood pressure lower, too!
4. Dogs are warm
Having your dog sleep beside you in bed can save on your heating bills! Dogs have a higher body temperature than us, averaging between 37.8° to 39.17° Celsius, making them the perfect alternative to a hot water bottle (which goes cold after a while, anyway) or a pricey heating bill!
AUTHOR PROFILE
Canadian Dogs is the definitive resource for helping people find and care for their new best friend. Featuring all the breed information you expect but with a fresh new approach. Published by one of Canada’s foremost pet publishers and distributed across Canada, this exciting publication is supported by leading breed experts, veterinarians, trainers, nutritionists and groomers.
