Should you let your dog sleep in your bed or not? That’s a question many dog owners ask. For me, it’s cozy having my dog by my side—it helps me relax. I just have to wash my sheets more often!
Dog owners have different opinions on this. Some think it’s not clean, while others believe it’s calming and helps them sleep better.
But now, research shows there are benefits to letting your dog sleep with you.
A study from the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona looked at 150 people, and the results were interesting.
Among them, 56 percent said they shared their bed or bedroom with a dog or cat. And of those, 41 percent said their pets helped them sleep better at night, according to the U.K. newspaper, the *Daily Mail*.
The research showed that most people felt more relaxed and secure sleeping with their pets nearby.
Still unsure? Here are eight reasons why research says sleeping with your pet is good for you.
1. **Comforting**
Having your dog close for cuddles can make you feel happier before bed.
2. **Helps you fall asleep**
Many people struggle to fall asleep, and a study shows that having a dog nearby reduces stress, making it easier to drift off.
3. **Reduces stress**
Research shows that dogs help lower stress. Therapy dogs are a great example of how animals support people after tough times in their lives.
4. **Provides warmth**
Dogs like being close to us, and during winter, they offer extra warmth in bed.
5. **Lowers the risk of depression**
Dogs give unconditional love. For people dealing with depression, having a dog nearby can lift their mood.
6. **Safe space**
Even if your dog isn’t the best guard dog, having them close makes you feel safer. They help scare off anyone thinking about breaking in, and their sharp hearing can detect intruders, making dog owners feel more secure.
7. **Good for your dog**
It’s not just you who benefits—your dog enjoys being close to you at night too. Your dog loves you more than anyone else, and being by your side brings them comfort and happiness.
8. **Dogs are good for your brain**
Feeling calm, safe, and happy when your dog sleeps beside you happens because your brain releases more oxytocin when you pet your dog. Oxytocin is a hormone that makes you feel relaxed, confident, and emotionally stable. This not only improves your mood but also benefits your brain, according to studies.
A Hidden Room, A Dark Secret: What We Uncovered Forced Us to Leave Our Home
We had no idea that our recently acquired dream home would completely upend our life until we discovered a hidden area. We had to move out as a result of what we discovered inside, but we had no idea that this nightmare would bring about an unforeseen turn of events.
I never imagined that I would wake up in a horror movie, yet that is exactly where I am. For years, Jack and I had been saving money to purchase our first house. I was ecstatic when we eventually received the keys. We immediately got to work on the improvements, with me leading the way while Jack concentrated on his task.
“Liv, you sure you’re okay managing all this?” The night before the renovations started, Jack inquired. Encircled by boxes, we reclined on our air mattress that we had borrowed.
I rolled my eyes. “I can handle this. Mr. Big Shot, you put your work first.”
Jack laughed and drew me in. “All right, all right. Just don’t enjoy yourself excessively without me.”
Everything was normal on Tuesday morning, until it changed. As I was enjoying my coffee and browsing through my phone, Carlos, the leader of our renovation team, contacted me.
He exclaimed, “Olivia, you gotta see this.”
Curious about what they’d discovered, I strolled over. Carlos gestured to a piece of the wall they had recently demolished. There was a door there, concealed by years of paint and drywall.
I said, “What do you think it is?”
Carlos gave a shrug. “I have no idea. Would you like to open it?”
I reached for the doorknob and nodded. I opened the creaking door and looked inside. My enthusiasm soon gave way to fear. Shuddering, I slammed the door shut.
“What’s wrong?” Carlos enquired, his expression filled with worry.
I was unable to talk. Reaching for my phone, I punched in Jack’s number. He detected the third ring.
“Hi Liv. What’s going on?”
“Jack, you must return home. Right now.”
“What? Why? Is everything in order?
Taking a deep breath, I tried to control my voice. Something was discovered inside the home. You must view it.
Jack didn’t dispute, so he must have heard the panic in my voice. “I’m on my way.”
I paced back and forth in front of the secret entrance while I waited for Jack. Although Carlos and his team continued to work, I could sense their wondering looks.
“You okay, Olivia?” Carlos paused his efforts to ask.
I nodded, not believing I could talk. My mind was buzzing with ideas. And what if it was a haunted house? What if we had discovered a sinister secret?
Jack was panting heavily when he got there. “Olivia, what’s going on?”
Taking his hand, I guided him towards the entrance. I remarked, “Look,” and carefully opened it.
Jack gasped in shock at what he saw. There were ancient garments in the concealed area that had originally been a closet. The worst part, though, wasn’t that. Insects crawled all over, and mold covered the garments. There was an overpowering smell, and spiders had taken up residence in the corners.
Jack mumbled, “Holy —,” and slammed the door. “How long has that been there?”
I gave a headshake. “I’m not sure. It was never brought up by the realtor.”
For a few while, we stood there in quiet, taking in what we had just witnessed. At last, Jack said something.
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