Why the Best Sleep of Your Life Happens With Your Dog (and Not Your Boyfriend)

Every dog mom knows the value of the morning walk and the last leg-lift (or squat) of the night — our four-legged fur-children are so into routine. According to the Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation department at Canisius College’s team of researchers in the US and their study on sleep quality and the impact of pets, female dog owners tend to go to bed and wake up earlier than pet owners with only a feline.

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In a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings meant to challenge a previous notion that having a doggie in the room may compromise sleep quality — it was discovered that an 83% sleep efficiency was achieved with a canine in the bedroom (the “good” hovers around 80%). In this same research, having a dog in the actual bed resulted in a sleep efficiency of 80%.

SEE ALSO: 9 reasons why you can never get enough sleep.

Sleep specialists studied the role dogs may have in sleep disorders therapy and found snoozing with the pooch helped keep nightmares at bay. Not only do these emotionally supportive pets guard against nightmares, they can also help counter anxiety that’s often associated with insomnia, helping folks who suffer from mental health challenges like PTSD catch much-needed REM cycles.

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A lil cuddle with your pup before bed can help release oxytocin in your brain — but sleeping with them can continue to encourage that release. Oxytocin, the chemical that does its thing when humans fall in love or hold babies, has been known to also help with anxiety and stress. It can help improve the quality of REM cycles and will result in a deeper, better sleep.

RELATED: 9 times I thought my dog was warning me about my partner.

The there-for-you vibe your four-legged bestie provides can help counter loneliness at night. Canine support provides love and in a study, 41% of pet owners said sleeping with their pet provides companionship.

Think you can’t love each other more? Sleeping with your dog can make that bond you have with your canine pet even stronger. Consider scheduling little naps with your perfect pup. Co-sleeping can help with socialization and training your best fur friend.

SEE ALSO: 15 interesting facts about sleeping with someone.

According to that Canisius College study, female dog owners reported stronger feelings of comfort and security when their doggies shared their human beds. OK and — not to hate on cats — but this same study suggested that sleeping with one was just as annoying as sleeping with a partner. Feline friends don’t tend to offer the same level of comfort and security as dogs. No kitten!

RELATED: 12 signs your cat secretly hates you.

Because the quality of your sleep is in a better state with the dog, this often results in a stronger routine. Regular sleep schedules (and waking ones) can do good things for your circadian rhythm — which leads to consistently good sleeps.

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A study suggested that tiny humans who slept with the family pet helped reduce allergies later on in their lives. Apparently the exposure to pets earlier had these little ones less likely to develop allergies. So, don’t think you have to kick the pup out of the bed just because you reproduced or took on a new dependent!

*This is definitely something you should consult with your family doctor about.

Remember when we talked about how sleeping with your dog can release all that sweet oxytocin? Well, that love chemical can also help reduce depression. It’s certainly something you can try to help reduce the winter blues brought on by SAD, that’s for sure.

...unless it’s not. Co-sleeping with your dog may not work if you have severe allergies. If you’re one of those super light sleepers, have specific health issues or if your dog hasn’t exactly been trained yet, this amazing sleeping arrangement may not be the best fit.

But when it’s right, it’s right. A good night sleep is pawsible.