University of Toronto study challenges myth about sleeping with dogs

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and published in the journal PLOS One suggests that sleeping with dogs does not negatively impact the quality or duration of human sleep.

Using activity sensors on both 25 volunteers and 38 dogs (primarily northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes) in southern Ontario, researchers monitored nocturnal movements. The data revealed that for nearly half of the participants, the presence of a dog in the bedroom had no effect on sleep quality, even among those who previously reported poor sleep.

Crucially, the study found that humans are often the primary source of disturbance. In most cases, humans moved first during the night, which subsequently triggered movement or agitation in the dogs.

Researchers noted certain limitations, including a small sample size and a focus on specific breeds. They cautioned that certain dogs, such as large breeds that occupy significant bed space or brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs that may snore or experience apnea, could still potentially disturb human sleep.