Undoubtedly, the importance of a good night’s sleep for overall health is widely acknowledged. With numerous studies exploring the optimal ways to achieve quality rest, recent research proposes a surprising solution, sharing the bed with dogs. Canisius College in New York State spearheaded this unconventional investigation, revealing that women experience better sleep next to their canine companions compared to human or feline counterparts.
Lead researcher Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist, conducted a survey involving nearly a thousand women across the United States to draw these intriguing conclusions. The results unveiled that 55% of participants shared their beds with at least one dog, 31% with a cat, and 57% with a human partner.
Hoffman delved into the reasons behind dogs emerging as superior sleep partners. The study highlighted that dogs’ sleep patterns align more closely with humans than those of cats. Hoffman theorizes that this synchronization may contribute to improved sleep quality, as dogs are adept at accommodating their owners’ sleep schedules, potentially mitigating disruptions caused by differing bedtime routines.
Furthermore, the structured routines imposed by dogs, such as morning walks, assist in regulating their owners’ daily schedules, thereby enhancing overall sleep quality. Another contributing factor is the physical stillness of dogs during sleep, unlike fidgety feline companions. Women in the study reported that dogs tended to remain on the bed throughout the night, fostering a sense of security and stability.
The study’s third crucial finding emphasizes the unique sense of security that dogs provide. Unlike cats or even human partners, dogs offer a heightened level of psychological comfort. Hoffman suggests that the perception of dogs as vigilant protectors, capable of alerting their owners to potential intruders, plays a role in enhancing the sense of security.
Despite these intriguing findings, the study acknowledges the subjectivity of sleep preferences. Factors such as a dog’s snoring or generating excess warmth could pose challenges. Additionally, there are individuals who find solace in the companionship of cats during bedtime.
It’s essential to note that the study relies on participants’ subjective perceptions of their pets’ impact on sleep quality and duration. Consequently, further research is necessary to definitively crown dogs as superior sleeping partners. Hoffman emphasizes the need for continued exploration into the various contexts under which pets positively or negatively influence sleep quality.
As American households increasingly welcome pets, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial. Future research may utilize technologies like Fitbit-like devices to objectively track sleep quality in diverse sleeping conditions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and their animal companions during bedtime.
This Photo Has a Creepy Secret—Can You Spot What’s Freaking People Out?
Family pictures are very common. Many moms and dads like to have official portraits of their families. So, they get everyone together, hire a professional photographer, and pose for the camera!
Usually, this is a very happy time with lots of smiles. However, one family picture is freaking out people on the internet because of one creepy detail.
Do you see it? It’s quite easy to miss, so we don’t blame you. Here’s a hint: check out the left side of the photo…
If you’ve found it, good for you! How strange is that?
For those who haven’t spotted it yet, look at the smaller child’s arm. Whose hand is resting on it?
People have come up with different theories about the mysterious hand, according to RelayHero.
The first theory is that the hand belongs to a ghost. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, it definitely seems to make people think about the supernatural.
The second theory is more realistic. Some people think the hand is actually the mom’s, and that the older child in the middle was added into the photo with some clever computer editing.
Take another look and decide for yourself…
This is definitely creepy and weird either way. We wonder who this family is, and if they can provide some answers. Whose arm is that?
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