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.
How to Prevent Dehydration and Recognize Its Risks
Life cannot exist without water, and in order for our bodies to function at their best, they must be well-hydrated. When we lose more fluids than we take in, we get dehydrated. This imbalance can have a serious negative impact on our health.
In this post, we’ll look at the value of remaining hydrated, the risks of becoming dehydrated, and some helpful advice on how to keep your body properly hydrated.
The Benefits of Hydration:
Water is essential for many bodily processes. It promotes healthy digestion, controls body temperature, lubricates joints, and aids in the elimination of waste and toxins. Additionally, keeping good skin and sustaining cognitive functioning depends on appropriate hydration. Dehydration sets in when we don’t drink enough water, affecting these essential functions and endangering our health.
Understanding the Dangers of Dehydration:
Impaired Physical Performance:
Physical performance can suffer significantly as a result of dehydration. Dehydration, even minor dehydration, can impair sports endurance, strength, and performance. This may have an impact on athletes and those who engage in physical activity, and it may cause weariness, cramping, and dizziness.
Cognitive Impairment:
Changes in water levels affect the brain very sensitively. Memory, focus, and awareness are just a few of the cognitive processes that can suffer from dehydration. This is especially concerning in contexts like workplaces and classrooms where productivity and mental clarity are crucial.
Heat-Related Illnesses:
Our bodies sweat more when it’s hot outside or when we’re working out hard. If these lost fluids are not replaced, it can result in heat-related disorders including heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Kidney Stones and Urinary Tract Infections:
Kidney stone formation is made more likely by the concentration of minerals in urine caused by inadequate hydration. Additionally, less fluid consumption can hinder the body’s ability to remove bacteria from the urinary tract, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
In order to maintain regular bowel movements, water is essential. Constipation can be caused by not drinking enough water since this causes the colon to absorb more water from the stool, making it more challenging to pass.
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Chronic dehydration has been associated with a higher chance of developing certain diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Drinking enough water can improve cardiovascular health overall and make certain diseases easier to treat.
Tips to Avoid Dehydration:
Drink Plenty of Water:
Even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty, make it a practice to drink water throughout the day. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand and sip from it frequently. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, while specific requirements may differ depending on things like age, degree of exercise, and environment.
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