It’s a no-brainer that sleep is vital for one’s health. That is why so many researchers study the best way to get good quality shut-eye. However, forget chamomile tea and meditating before bed. According to new research, women sleep better next to dogs. That’s right; Canisius College in New York State conducted a study that found that canines make better-sleeping partners than humans or cats.
“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,” Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., animal behaviorist and lead researcher of the study.
Research Finds that Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs
Hoffman surveyed almost one thousand women living in the United States to come to these findings. The results showed that 55% of the participants shared their bed with at least one dog and 31% with at least one cat. Also, 57% of these women shared a bed with a human partner, while the rest did not. [1]
Hoffman also discovered why dogs seemed to make the best bed companions. The first reason is that dogs’ sleeping patterns, as opposed to cats, more closely resemble those of humans.
“The difference between dogs and cats is not surprising because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats,’” said Hoffman.
However, while there may be benefits of these similar sleeping patterns, more research is needed to know for certain. But Hoffman has some ideas of how this could work.
“In comparison to human bed partners, dogs may be better at accommodating their human’s sleep schedule,” she said. “It’s not uncommon for human bed partners to go to bed at very different times and wake up at very different times. Such differences in partners’ schedules can certainly disrupt sleep. It may be that dog bed partners adapt more readily to their owner’s schedule than do human bed partners.”
Moreover, dogs require certain schedules and responsibilities, such as a morning walk. This kind of regime helps their owners maintain a routine, improving sleep quality as a result.
Stillness and Security
Additionally, dogs tend to stay stiff as they sleep. Anyone who’s slept with a fidgety partner knows how disruptive they could be. However, women in the study reported that their dogs stayed on the bed most of the night instead of felines, who tended to come and go.
“This suggests that cats may be more likely than dogs to create disruptions by moving on and off the bed during the night. In addition, we found that dog owners kept to more consistent bedtime and wake time schedules than cat owners and also tended to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than cat owners,” Hoffman said.
Here’s the third and most important reason: Canines provide a sense of security to their owners. More so than with cats or even human partners.
“Some dog owners may take comfort in the thought that their dog will alert them in the case of an intruder or other type of emergency; furthermore, a dog’s bark may deter a potential intruder. A cat is less likely to take on this role, and so, may not provide psychological comfort in the same way a dog might,” said Hoffman.
The Best Partner for Quality Sleep
However, while the study suggests that dogs are the perfect slumber buddies, their benefits are subjective to each case. For example, a dog could snore or make the bed too hot. Additionally, there are many owners who find that their cats help them sleep.
Keep in mind that the research was based on how the volunteers perceive their pets’ effects on their sleeping quality and duration. As a result, more objective research is needed to definitively consider dogs the superior sleeping partners. However, Hoffman believes that these studies could be beneficial as many American households have pets.
“It will be valuable to continue this line of research so we can develop a clearer picture of the contexts under which pets and their presence in their owner’s bed may positively impact sleep quality, and the contexts under which co-sleeping with a pet may be detrimental to one’s sleep quality,” she said.
For instance, research has also shown that women sleep better while alone than with a human, but many believe in the opposite. Future research could use Fitbit-like devices to objectively track the sleep quality of people in different sleeping conditions.
I Thought My Parents Arranged a Surprise Party to Celebrate My Graduation, but the Reality Left Me Speechless
I Thought My Parents Arranged a Surprise Party to Celebrate My Graduation, but the Reality Left Me Speechless
Growing up in the shadow of her older sister’s achievements, Martha never imagined the night of her biggest triumph would be eclipsed by an unexpected engagement. But in the aftermath of hurt and rivalry, a journey of self-discovery and healing began.
Since we were kids, my sister, Mia, and I have been in this silent competition, thanks to our parents. She’s three years older than me, so she always hit those big milestones first. And every time she did, it was a huge celebration. My achievements? Not so much.
Two different sisters | Source: Pexels
I remember when Mia graduated from college. Our parents threw a huge party. There were balloons, streamers, and a big banner that said, “Congratulations!” They even rented a hall for the after-party. I was proud of her, but I also felt a bit jealous. Would I ever get the same kind of recognition?
Three days ago, I graduated with my master’s degree. It was a tough journey though sleepless nights, endless research papers, and a lot of stress. But I did it. I was excited to share this moment with my family.
Woman throwing graduation hats | Source: Pexels
My parents had been acting secretive, dropping hints about a surprise celebration. They told me they would come home early and that I could hang out with friends and Mia for a bit. But they made sure we would be home at a specific time. They even sent texts to remind us, which made me even more excited.
As we pulled up to the house, my heart was racing. The driveway was packed with cars, and I felt a surge of happiness. Maybe this time, it was my turn to be celebrated. Mia and I exchanged glances, and she gave me a reassuring smile.
Back shot of woman driving | Source: Pexels
We walked to the front door, and I could hear faint murmurs from inside. I took a deep breath and reached for the doorknob. My hand trembled slightly as I turned it.
The door swung open, and my excitement quickly turned to confusion. The room was filled with candles, flowers, and balloons.
But instead of celebrating my graduation, everyone was focused on Mia’s boyfriend, who was down on one knee with a ring in his hand. Our parents stood nearby, beaming with pride and excitement.
Marriage proposal | Source: Pexels
“Will you marry me, Mia?” he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Mia gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. “Yes! Yes, I will!”
Everyone cheered, and I forced a smile, clapping along with them. Inside, I felt that familiar sting. The same feeling I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I was never quite enough in our parents’ eyes.
People celebrating | Source: Pexels
I joined the celebration, trying my best to look happy. I hugged Mia and congratulated her, even though my heart wasn’t in it. Our parents were over the moon, showering her with praise and attention. I stood on the sidelines, feeling like an afterthought.
As the evening wore on, I found myself drifting through the party, smiling and nodding at the right moments, but my mind was elsewhere. I thought about all the times I had worked so hard, only to have my achievements overshadowed by Mia’s. It wasn’t her fault, but it still hurt.
Wedding cake | Source: Pexels
When it was finally time to cut the cake, my parents called everyone into the dining room. The cake was beautiful, decorated with flowers and a tiny engagement ring on top. I watched as Mia and her fiancé cut the first slice, everyone around them cheering and taking photos.
I felt a lump in my throat and excused myself, needing a moment alone. I wandered through the house, memories of past celebrations swirling in my mind. Each one was a reminder of how I had always been in Mia’s shadow.
Celebration | Source: Pexels
Later that night, as the celebration continued, I slipped out onto the back porch. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded house. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts.
That night, after the initial excitement had settled and everyone had gone to bed, my sister knocked on my door. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her, sitting down next to me on my bed.
Two sisters hugging | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry,” she began, her voice soft and sincere. “I didn’t know they were going to do this today. I wanted your graduation to be your moment.”
I looked at her, the frustration and hurt I felt bubbling to the surface. “It’s not your fault. I’m happy for you, really. It’s just… I worked so hard for this degree, and it feels like they don’t see me.”
Sisters leaning on a pillar | Source: Pexels
She nodded, understanding flashing in her eyes. “I get it. Growing up, it always felt like we were in this unspoken competition, and it wasn’t fair to either of us. I love you, and I’ve always been proud of you, even if Mom and Dad didn’t always show it.”
Hearing those words from her was a balm to my wounded heart. “I love you too,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. “I guess I just wanted them to see me the way they see you.”
Black and white photo of sisters hugging | Source: Pexels
She hugged me tightly, and in that moment, the years of rivalry and comparison seemed to melt away. “You’re amazing,” she whispered. “And you don’t need their validation to prove it.”
The next morning, I woke up feeling a mix of emotions. My sister’s words from the night before had planted a seed of realization in my mind. It wasn’t about competing with her or seeking our parents’ approval. It was about recognizing my own worth and achievements for what they were.
Middle-aged couple has breakfast | Source: Pexels
I decided to talk to my parents. I found them in the kitchen, preparing breakfast and still glowing from the previous night’s excitement.
“Can we talk?” I asked, my voice steady but firm.
They looked at each other, a bit surprised, and nodded. We sat down at the table, and I took a deep breath.
Serious brown-eyed woman | Source: Pexels
“I’m really happy for my sister and her engagement,” I began. “But I need to tell you how I feel. Yesterday was supposed to be a celebration of my hard work and achievements. Instead, it turned into something else, and it hurt.”
My parents exchanged glances, the realization dawning on them. “We didn’t mean to overshadow your accomplishment,” my mom said, reaching out to take my hand. “We’re so proud of you, but we got caught up in the excitement of the proposal.”
Happy senior couple | Source: Pexels
My dad nodded in agreement. “We should have done things differently. We’re sorry.”
Their apologies were sincere, and for the first time, I felt like they were truly seeing me. It wasn’t just about this one event—it was about a lifetime of feeling like I was living in my sister’s shadow. I knew it would take time, but this conversation was a step toward healing.
Serious woman looking to the side | Source: Pexels
In the weeks that followed, I focused on celebrating my own achievements. I threw a small party with friends, basking in the recognition and support from those who had been there for me all along. My relationship with my sister grew stronger as we both worked to support each other, rather than compete.
The experience taught me a valuable lesson about self-worth and the importance of seeking validation from within.
Happy family breakfast | Source: Pexels
It reminded me that my journey is unique and deserves to be celebrated, no matter what. And most importantly, it showed me that true success isn’t measured by comparisons, but by personal growth and fulfillment.
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