There are lots of people who devote their careers to trying to understand and help people have a more restful sleep.
Have you ever wondered how sleeping with a pet compares to sleeping with another human? One study tried to find out if humans or animals make better sleeping partners.
Everyone Wants A Restful Sleep
The research was conducted by Buffalo's Canisius College.
The researchers wanted to look at the quality of women's sleep and how it is affected by sharing a bed with a partner or pet.
Only Women Were Surveyed
The study surveyed 962 women in the United States.
"Fifty-five percent of participants shared their bed with at least one dog and 31% with at least one cat."
Some Sleep With A Partner
In addition, 57% of participants shared the bed with another human.
The study did not show a connection between pet ownership and an increase in the quality of the women's sleep.
Women Sleep Better With Dogs
The study may have proven that sleeping with a dog is less disruptive.
The women who sleep with dogs said that they believe their sleep was disrupted less than those who slept with a human partner. They also said they felt more comfort and security.
Cats Are More Disruptive
It was a different story for those who sleep with cats.
The feline companions were said to be just as, if not more disruptive than a human partner, and the women who slept with cats reported feeling less secure.
Dogs Wake Up Earlier
The study also found that those who sleep with a dog may have more of a structured day.
Researchers found that those who share their bed with a dog wake up and go to bed earlier. Find the full report here.
