Sleeping with a dog triggers unexpected processes: It’s not just warmth

For some a normal thing, for others an incomprehensible offense. Sleeping with the dog in the bed! Well, who ever saw that! Not only that. Experts were investigating the effect this has on roommates.

When the dog is in bed

Many of us are in the habit of letting our four-legged companion crawl into bed at night, and few can imagine a night without him quietly resting at his feet. We often hear that dogs don’t belong in bed, but if you look at it through the eyes of science, you’ll find that these companions act as a cure for restlessness.

It’s not just that the dog is warm, but the whole spectrum of chemical reactions that it triggers in our body. If the dog hugs the person, flushing occurs oxytocinwhich is not for nothing called the hormone of trust and love. It can reduce the level of stress cortisol in a few minutes, and we fall asleep much more peacefully, as if we had left all the worries of the past day at the bedroom door.

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How do people perceive a dog in bed?

He brought a very interesting insight into our private lives, which focused on how we actually sleep next to animals. The results showed that women perceive the dog as much less intrusive partner than another human or even a cat.

The dog is better able to adapt to the sleeping rhythm of its owner and rarely wakes her up in the middle of the night with loud snoring or fighting over the duvet.

Interestingly, while women reported stronger a sense of safety and comfort just next to the dog, the situation was a little different for men. They often report better sleep quality if they share a bed with their partner.

So it seems that while men look to their women for support, we women find the deepest peace in our canine guardians who subconsciously reassure us that everything is perfectly fine.

But what does sleeping with a dog in bed actually look like? Check out the post from Leo Fucarev’s YouTube channel.

Things to consider before inviting a guy to bed

Before you decide to sleep together permanently, it’s a good idea to compare a few pros and cons in your head. Every household is different and what works for one may take away energy from another.

Why yes?

  • Reducing anxiety: The presence of a dog helps people who suffer from nightmares or feel lonely.
  • Thermal comfort: The dog works as a natural and very pleasant “heater”, which you will especially appreciate in the cold months.
  • Heart Synchronization: It has been proven that an owner and dog who rest together experience a certain synchronization of heartbeats, which deepens the mutual bond.

Why not!

  • Hygienic requirements: A dog in bed means more dirt, hair and the need to keep a very strict watch for parasites such as ticks and fleas.
  • Allergies and asthma: Even people with mild allergies can experience worsening breathing if they have fur near their face all night.
  • Sleep disturbances: If you have a dog that often fidgets, scratches or takes up too much space at night, this can lead to you feeling more tired than rested in the morning.