Science Shows That Women Sleep Better Next To Dogs Than Men

The importance of sleep for one’s health should go without saying. The ideal approach to obtain restful sleep is a topic of great interest to a large number of researchers. But forget about meditating before bed and drinking chamomile tea. It has been found that women sleep better when their dogs are nearby. That’s correct, a study by Canisius College in New York State revealed that dogs make more comfortable sleeping companions than either people or cats.

Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist and the study’s chief researcher, said, “We found that women commonly rate dogs as better bed partners than cats and human partners and report that their dogs enhance their sleep quality.”

According to Research, Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs

Hoffman arrived at these conclusions after surveying almost a thousand American women. According to the findings, 31% of the participants and 55% of the participants shared a bed with a cat or a dog. Moreover, 57% of these ladies slept in the same bed as a human companion, compared to the other 40%.[1]

Hoffman also found out why dogs appeared to be the most comfortable bedmates.The first explanation is that dogs’ sleeping habits more closely reflect human sleep patterns than those of cats.

Hoffman stated, “It is not surprising that dogs and cats have different sleep schedules because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats’.”

Even though these similar sleeping habits might have advantages, additional research is necessary to be certain. However, Hoffman has some ideas about how this might function.

She said, “Dogs may be better at accommodating their human’s sleep schedule than human bed partners.” Human bed companions frequently go to sleep and wake up at significantly different times from one another. Sleep disruption is undoubtedly a result of schedule discrepancies between spouses. It’s possible that canine bed companions adjust to their owner’s schedule more easily than do human bed partners.

Dogs also need specific routines and obligations, like an early morning stroll. These kinds of regimens support their users in sticking to a schedule, which enhances the quality of their sleep.

Calm and Safety

Dogs also have a tendency to remain rigid during sleep. Anyone who has ever shared a bed with a fidgety partner understands how annoying they can be. Nonetheless, the study’s female participants stated that, in contrast to cats, who tended to come and go, their dogs spent the most of the night on the bed.

This implies that cats might be more prone than dogs to disturb sleep by getting in and out of bed at different times. Furthermore, Hoffman stated, “We discovered that dog owners tended to go to bed and wake up earlier than cat owners and also adhered to more regular bedtime and wake time schedules.”

The third and most crucial reason is that dogs provide their owners a sense of security.more so than in relationships with humans or even cats.

“Some dog owners may find solace in the knowledge that their pet will notify them in the event of an intruder or other emergency; also, a dog’s barking may dissuade a possible invader. Hoffman stated that whereas a dog may offer psychological consolation, a cat is less likely to assume this function.

The Ideal Sleep Partner

Dogs are the ideal sleeping companions, according to the study, although their advantages vary depending on the situation.A dog might, for instance, snore or overheat the bed. Furthermore, a lot of owners report that their cats aid in their ability to go asleep.

Remember that the study relied on the volunteers’ perceptions of the effects of their pets on the quantity and quality of their sleep. Therefore, further impartial study is required before it can be said with certainty that dogs make better sleeping companions. Nonetheless, Hoffman thinks that since pets are common in American homes, these research might be helpful.

“This line of research will be valuable to develop a clearer picture of the contexts under which co-sleeping with a pet may be detrimental to one’s sleep quality, and the contexts under which pets and their presence in their owner’s bed may positively impact sleep quality,” the spokesperson stated.

For example, studies have indicated that women sleep better on their alone than in the company of a human, but many people hold the opposite view. In the future, scientists may employ Fitbit-like gadgets to measure people’s sleep quality objectively under various sleeping scenarios.

Snowstorm Forced Me to Take Shelter in a Stranger’s Home, Only to Discover He Knew My Biggest Secret — Story of the Day

The relentless snowstorm made me seek shelter in a stranger’s home. At first, Justin seemed kind. Too kind. But when I discovered his connection to my biggest secret, everything changed.

That morning, I woke up with a pounding headache. The alarm blared, making the sensation worse. I groaned, fumbling to turn it off, and stared at the ceiling. Something felt off like the day was already conspiring against me.

At work, my boss, Lori, was standing at the head of the table, her sharp eyes scanning the room like a hawk circling prey. Meetings with Lori were less about collaboration and more about survival.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Good morning, team! Before we dive into the numbers,” Lori began, her gaze settling on me, “I have a special assignment.”

My stomach tightened.

“Sophia,” she continued, “you’ll be heading to Montana. There’s a small mountain town where our competitors are testing campaigns. I want you there by tomorrow.”

“Montana?!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, Montana. You’ll gather intel on their strategies. We need to stay ahead.”

“But it’s Thanksgiving! I had plans.”

Lori cut me off. “Plans can wait. This is business. You’re the best we’ve got for this kind of work.”

I glanced around the room. The silence was deafening.

“I’ll get it done,” I muttered, my hands clenched under the table.

“Excellent! Now, let’s discuss next quarter’s goals.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

It felt ridiculous, yet there was no arguing with Lori. She wielded her authority like a weapon, and one wrong move could mean the end of my career.

After the meeting, I opened my laptop. My inbox was already filled with follow-ups from Lori: flight details, a contact list, and a reminder that the trip was “critical” for the company’s success.

I sighed, staring at the cursor blinking in the search bar.

“Montana, here I come,” I muttered, booking the flight.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

I packed my suitcase in record time, and in a few hours, I was seated on the plane, staring out the window at the clouds gathering in the distance.

“Looks like we’re in for some holiday weather,” a voice said beside me.

I turned to see a man settling into the seat next to mine. He had a warm, easy smile and a kind face.

“I’m Justin,” he said, extending a hand.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Sophia,” I replied, shaking it.

The usual polite small talk followed: where we were headed, what we did for a living. Then, after the second glass of sparkling wine, without thinking much, I let it slip.

“Actually, I’m supposed to gather ideas from competitors for my job. I guess you could call it espionage.”

Justin chuckled. “Espionage, huh? Sounds like you’ve got a pretty important job if it’s pulling you away from Thanksgiving.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Well, somebody has to do it,” I said lightly, though the bitterness crept into my voice.

The flight passed fast thanks to Justin’s friendly conversation. But the moment we landed, the storm was full-blown chaos. Snow piled up against the terminal windows.

“All flights are canceled until further notice,” the intercom blared.

I sighed, pulling my coat tighter around me. The thought of spending the night in the freezing terminal made my headache return.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Rough day?” Justin appeared again, dragging his suitcase.

“You could say that.” I showed him the fully booked hotel listings on my phone.

“Well. I live nearby. It’s not fancy, but you’re welcome to stay.”

I blinked at him. “Are you sure?”

“It’s better than freezing here. Come on.”

Grateful and too tired to argue, I followed him out into the snowy night.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

When we arrived at Justin’s house, the snow was falling in thick, quiet flakes. The world outside was still, as though the storm had tucked everything in for the night.

“Everyone’s asleep,” Justin said, taking off his boots by the door. “I’ll show you to the guest room.”

I followed him up a narrow staircase. The house had a lived-in charm — family photos lined the walls, and the faint scent of pine lingered in the air. Justin opened a door and flicked on the light.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Here you go,” he said. “Make yourself comfortable. There are extra blankets in the closet if you need them. I’ll leave some tea and dinner for you downstairs.”

“Thanks.”

As he left, I glanced around the room. Suddenly, I noticed a photo on the wall. It was Justin, smiling broadly, with a group of employees in front of a sign. The logo on the sign was unmistakable. My stomach dropped.

Justin is the competitor!

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Before I could process the shock, my phone started buzzing on the nightstand. I groaned, knowing exactly who it was. Sure enough, Lori’s name flashed across the screen. Reluctantly, I answered.

“Well, well,” Lori’s voice crackled through the line, filled with satisfaction. “Looks like you’re exactly where you need to be.”

“Lori,” I began, keeping my voice low, “this isn’t…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Listen, Sophia,” she cut me off. “I don’t care about your excuses. You’re there to get the job done. Dig through his files, find out what projects they’re working on, and send me everything. Don’t forget, I can make it look like this was all your idea. Clients won’t trust someone who spies on their own. Understood?”

Her words were ice in my veins. I hesitated, torn between guilt and the crushing pressure of her threats.

“Fine,” I muttered finally.

The call ended, leaving me feeling like I’d just made a deal with the devil.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

Hours later, when Justin’s house had gone completely quiet, I crept downstairs. His office door was slightly ajar, the glow of his laptop casting faint shadows.

My hands shook as I searched through his files, stopping when I spotted a flash drive inserted into the laptop.

That’s it! All in there!

Just as I reached for it, I heard a small voice.

“Hi,” a little girl said, rubbing her eyes. “I’m Liv.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Hi, Liv,” I whispered, glancing nervously toward the hallway. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“Are you playing hide-and-seek?”

Before I could respond, Justin’s voice called softly, “Liv? What are you doing up?”

I panicked, ducking under the desk and motioning for Liv to keep quiet. She gave a tiny nod.

Justin appeared in the doorway, scooping her into his arms. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you back to bed.”

As they left, I grabbed the flash drive, tucked it into my pocket, and slipped back to my room.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The following morning, I intended to leave quietly, avoiding an awkward goodbye, but Justin and Liv were already at the kitchen table.

“Morning,” Justin greeted, his warm smile lighting up the room. “You must be starving after all that travel. Come on in.”

I stepped hesitantly into the cozy kitchen, the scent of fresh coffee and pancakes drawing me in. Liv was drawing at the table.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Hi! I am Liv,” she said brightly.

Then, to my surprise, she raised a finger to her lips and whispered, “Shh,” mimicking the gesture I’d made to her the night before.

My cheeks flushed. “Hi, Liv! I am Sophia. Could I see your masterpiece?”

Did she remember everything?

“Yup!” She giggled, giving me her picture. “Daddy says we’re making pancakes for you. I helped with the batter.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“She’s the head chef this morning,” Justin chimed in, flipping a pancake on the stove.

“Thanks for letting me stay last night. It was kind of you.”

“Not a problem. Storm like that? You’d have frozen at the airport.”

Liv hopped down from her chair and skipped over to the counter. She picked up a plate piled high with golden pancakes and walked it over to me, balancing it carefully with both hands.

“Daddy, can we have whipped cream on them?” Liv asked, tugging at Justin’s sleeve.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You have to ask our guest first. Does Sophia like whipped cream?”

Liv turned to me. “Do you?”

“Of course,” I said, laughing. “Who doesn’t?”

Liv clapped her hands. As she sprayed a generous swirl onto her pancake, she glanced at me again, her finger returning to her lips in a playful “shh.”

My heart sank slightly.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She did remember!

Justin slid into the seat across from me. As we ate, he shared his story.

“After Liv’s mom passed away during childbirth,” he began, “it was just the two of us. Balancing parenthood and running the company hasn’t been easy, but Liv’s my reason for everything.”

Liv looked up from her pancakes, her face glowing with pride. “Daddy works hard, but he always has time for me.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

This man isn’t just kind. He is incredible! And I betrayed his trust the night before.

Justin leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. “What about you, Sophia? What drives you?”

What can I say? That my job feels like a race I could never win? That I don’t even know what I am chasing anymore?

“I guess I’ve been so focused on my career that I haven’t stopped to think about it,” I admitted, pushing my fork into the last bite of pancake. “Maybe it’s time I do.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The warmth of the moment was shattered when my phone buzzed loudly on the table. Lori’s name flashed across the screen. I excused myself and stepped outside. The cold air bit at my cheeks as I read her latest message:

“Where is the file, Sophia? If you don’t send it now, you’re done. Fired. And don’t think you’ll find work elsewhere. I’ll make sure no one hires you again.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I stared at the phone. My career, my reputation… It was all on the line. But then I thought about Justin’s story and Liv’s trust in her Dad.

Can I really betray that?

I turned back toward the house, walked over, and held out the flash drive to Justin.

“Here. I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”

He looked at me, then nodded. I grabbed my coat and bag, said a quick goodbye to Liv, and walked out the door, fighting back tears.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

At the airport, I waited for my flight, staring at my phone as Lori’s messages piled up.

“You’re done. You’ll regret this. You’re fired!”

My future felt uncertain, and fear clawed at me. But before I could spiral further, I heard a familiar voice.

“Sophia.”

I turned to see Justin standing there, holding Liv’s hand. My heart almost stopped.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I knew everything from the start,” he said calmly. “Liv told me about ‘hide-and-seek,’ and I recognized your company’s name on your documents on the plane. Lori and I have crossed paths before.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I invited you because I liked you. Even after everything, I could see you weren’t the kind of person to go through with something like this. I wanted to see what you’d choose. And you made the right choice.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Daddy says you can stay for Thanksgiving. Will you?”

Justin smiled softly. “The offer still stands.”

I didn’t have to think long. “I’d like that.”

That Thanksgiving, as snow blanketed the world outside, I felt a warmth of home. Perhaps that was the start of a life filled with meaning, love, and the promise of a future with Justin and Liv.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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