Study Finds Co-Sleeping with Dogs Does Not Negatively Impact Sleep Quality

The study involved 25 human participants and their 38 dogs, primarily healthy huskies and malamutes, residing in southern Ontario. For four weeks, both humans and dogs wore activity trackers that recorded their nighttime movements, providing objective data for analysis. The researchers aimed to compare the sleep patterns of humans with dogs in the bed versus those who had their dogs in another room.

Most dogs slept either on the bed or in the same room as their owners, while some were kept in separate rooms. Participants filled out surveys detailing their perceived sleep quality and disruptions, which the researchers contrasted with the objective data from the trackers.

Interestingly, many participants reported feeling their sleep was disrupted, especially those sleeping with multiple dogs. However, the tracking data showed no significant negative effects on the sleep duration or quality for either humans or dogs. Furthermore, human movement often preceded dog movement, suggesting that disturbances were more likely initiated by the human rather than the dog.

The study also found that it did not matter whether dogs slept in the bed or nearby; both arrangements did not negatively impact sleep. The researchers acknowledged the study's limitations, which included a small sample size and a focus on specific dog breeds. They emphasized that larger studies with a more diverse range of breeds and demographics could yield more comprehensive insights.

Prior studies offered a more pessimistic view of co-sleeping, suggesting that dogs on the bed might correlate with poorer sleep outcomes. In contrast, the current research highlights that the presence of dogs in the bed does not inherently disrupt sleep for the subjects studied.

Beyond sleep mechanisms, the study noted the emotional impact of co-sleeping. Co-author Ming Fei Li pointed out that many owners feel a greater sense of safety when sleeping with dogs, stemming from the historical role of dogs as protectors.

Experts also believe dogs contribute to healthier sleep routines. According to sleep specialist W. Christopher Winter, dogs act as cues to help regulate human daily rhythms, such as regular feeding and walking times. This consistency can be beneficial for maintaining a stable sleep schedule.

While some dogs may not be ideal sleep partners due to size or snoring, the study suggests that for many, co-sleeping with a dog can lead to effective sleep patterns. Ultimately, decisions about where a dog sleeps should consider the comfort and behaviors of the individual dog and owner.