Is Sleeping Next to Your Dog the Reason You’re Always Tired?

Photo: Stocksy/Studio Firma
You've loaded up on the lavender and orange essential oils, turned off all technology well before heading to bed, and you've even been taking melatonin at night—but your sleep has still been off. What gives?

If you're a dog owner, your bunk buddy might be the reason you've been trading quality sleep for restless nights (and feeling strangely drunk at work during the day).

While a dog's presence in the bedroom doesn't notably disrupt sleep, sharing your mattress with a pup can lead to significantly decreased sleep efficiency.

A new study from the Mayo Clinic examined whether having a dog in the bedroom impacts human sleep patterns and behaviors. Researchers observed 40 adults without insomnia or other sleep-related issues over the course of a week and measured the participants' sleep efficiency via a wearable device that tracked and recorded wake times and deep sleep.

The study found that while a dog's presence in the bedroom doesn't notably disrupt sleep, sharing your mattress with a pup can lead to significantly decreased sleep efficiency—bad news if you sprang for a California king to make room for Buddy.

So, while you don't need to shut your canine companion out of the bedroom completely, you might need to train your pet (and yourself) to sleep separately. But pillow talk with your pet (from separate beds) is still totally recommended to tide you over until it's time for that morning cuddle sesh.

Here's the scientific reason why walking your dog is good for you. Afterward, treat yourself to a PSL—but don't forget one for your pet!

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