Your dog may not be the reason for your restless nights, according to a recent study published in PLOS One on October 7. The research indicates that sharing a bed with a dog does not significantly affect the sleep duration or efficiency of their owners. Surprisingly, it was found that in many owner-dog pairs, it was the humans who stirred first during the night.
The study tracked 25 adults and 38 dogs over four weeks with wrist monitors for people and collar monitors for dogs, comparing nighttime activity with owners’ sleep reports. The findings suggest that co-sleeping did not impact human sleep as significantly as previously assumed.
However, for households with multiple dogs, owners reported lower sleep quality compared to those with only one dog. The difference was based on perceived sleep quality, differing from monitor-based measures. Researchers noted the complexity in attributing disruptions to either the human or the dog.
Before making any adjustments to sleeping arrangements, consider your overall feelings of refreshment upon waking. Consistent bedtimes and a conducive sleeping environment are recommended to improve sleep quality.
If you’re curious about enhancing your sleep further, the study also highlights that keeping a sleep diary may be beneficial.
For more insights on sleep and related health tips, check out articles from reliable sources like Men’s Journal.
