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

It’s a thing, dog moms: Studies are teaching us that women sleep better with a dog than when they’re sleeping with a dude. Turns out that adorable fur baby is good for cuddles and a quality night’s sleep. Here’s why the best sleep of your life happens with your dog and not your boyfriend (or girlfriend or partner or part-time lover), according to science and research.

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It’s all about routine for your dog

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.

RELATED: All the zodiac signs as dog breeds.

Pi sleeping in a dog bed with a Casper Pillow

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The quality of sleep improves just from having a dog in the bedroom

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.

A lesbian and a dog sleep in the backseat of a car

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Sleeping with dogs may help people with PTSD and sleep disorders

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.

RELATED: 7 expert hacks to help you get the best sleep ever.

Attractive chick with tattoos sleeps with her dog

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Sleeping with your dog can help activate happy love chemicals in your brain

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.

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Dogs help with the loneliness in the dark, dark nights

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.

Cute girl and perfect dog nap on a couch

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Sleeping with your dog can strengthen your connection

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.

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Women feel safer when sleeping with a dog

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.

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Having a dog in the bed can give you consistently good sleep

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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The 20 most sleep-deprived jobs in Canada.

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Sleeping with an infant and a dog also has its benefits

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.

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Reduced depression linked to sleeping with your fur-baby

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.

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Sleeping with your dog is usually a very positive thing

...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.