How dogs help you sleep

Letting dogs sleep in bedrooms helps people get a better night's snooze, new research reveals.

This is only true, however, if the dog is present in the room, but not under the covers, a study found, reports Daily Mail.

Snuggling up to animals in bed reduces people's sleep quality, the research adds.

Study author Dr. Lois Krahn from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, said: "We found that many people find comfort and a sense of security from sleeping with their pets.

"Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that."

How the research was carried out

The researchers analyzed 40 adults without sleep disorders and their dogs over five months.

The study's participants and their animals wore activity trackers to monitor their sleeping habits for seven nights.

Sleeping in the same room as dogs improves owner's shut eye

Results reveal sleeping in the same room as dogs helps people have a better night's shut eye, regardless of the animals' breed.

This is only true, however, if the dog is present in the bedroom, but not under the covers.

Snuggling up to animals in bed reduces sleep quality.

The findings were published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Sleeping with pets gives 'comfort and a sense of security'

Dr Krahn said: "Most people assume having pets in the bedroom is a disruption. We found that many people actually find comfort and a sense of security from sleeping with their pets.

"The relationship between people and their pets has changed over time, which is likely why many people in fact do sleep with their pets in the bedroom.

"Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that.

"And, now, pet owners can find comfort knowing it won't negatively impact their sleep.'

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission.