New Study Finds Humans, Not Dogs, Disrupt Sleep During Co-Sleeping
A new University of Toronto study published in PLOS One indicates that sleeping with dogs does not negatively impact human sleep quality or duration. Using activity trackers on 25 people and 38 dogs in southern Ontario, researchers found that humans are more likely to disturb their dogs' sleep than vice versa. While some participants reported poor sleep when sharing a bed with multiple dogs, objective data showed no significant difference in sleep metrics compared to sleeping apart. The findings suggest that dogs may actually help regulate human sleep schedules by acting as 'zeitgebers,' providing consistent cues for bedtime and routine.
Key points
- The study, conducted during the pandemic, used Fitbit-like trackers on 25 human volunteers and 38 huskies and malamutes for four weeks.
- Objective data showed no significant difference in sleep duration or quality for humans or dogs, regardless of whether the dog slept in the bed or the same room.
- Researchers found that humans moved first during the night, disturbing their dogs, contradicting a 2020 study that suggested dogs influenced human movement more.
- While half of the participants reported interrupted sleep, particularly those with multiple dogs, this subjective perception did not align with the objective tracker data.
- Sleep expert W. Christopher Winter noted that dogs can act as 'zeitgebers,' helping humans maintain consistent sleep schedules, which is crucial for sleep health.
Background
This study adds to a growing body of research on sleep quality and its relationship with health. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of REM sleep in lowering disease risk and the potential of sleep patches to boost REM sleep to curb stress. Additionally, research on sleep waves and Alzheimer's disease suggests that sleep quality can influence disease progression. The current study focuses on the impact of co-sleeping with dogs, a common practice that has been debated in previous research, with some studies suggesting that dogs in the bed can disrupt sleep, while others find no significant impact.
Why it matters
The findings challenge common assumptions about the negative impact of sleeping with pets and provide evidence that co-sleeping may not harm sleep quality. This could reassure pet owners who worry about their dogs disrupting their rest. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential benefits of dogs as 'zeitgebers,' helping humans maintain consistent sleep schedules, which is a key factor in overall sleep health. This information is relevant for individuals looking to improve their sleep habits and for researchers studying the human-animal bond.
What to watch
Future research may explore the long-term effects of co-sleeping with dogs on sleep quality and health outcomes. Additionally, studies could investigate the impact of different dog breeds and sizes on sleep disruption. The findings may also inform recommendations for pet owners looking to improve their sleep habits and for sleep experts advising on the best practices for co-sleeping with pets.
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