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University of Toronto human-canine sleep study

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2026-10-12 14:09 UTC → 2026-10-13 00:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Researchers at the University of Toronto conducted a four-week study using actigraphy devices to monitor the sleep patterns of 25 humans and 38 dogs, primarily Arctic ~~breeds.~~ breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes. The research, published in PLOS One, investigated the impact of co-sleeping on sleep duration and efficiency. The findings revealed a discrepancy between subjective perception and objective data. While many owners reported feeling that their dogs disrupted their rest, objective measurements showed no significant decline in human sleep quality or duration. Data indicated that humans are more likely to disturb their dogs than vice versa; human movements triggered canine activity in approximately 45 percent of observed instances, compared to only 18 percent caused by dogs. Additionally, the study suggested that dogs may serve as ‘zeitgebers,’ potentially helping to promote consistent sleep rituals, and noted that participants often reported increased feelings of security and calm when sleeping with their pets.

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