It’s a no-brainer that sleep is vital for one’s health. That is why so many researchers study the best way to get good quality shut-eye. However, forget chamomile tea and meditating before bed. According to new research, women sleep better next to dogs. That’s right; Canisius College in New York State conducted a study that found that canines make better-sleeping partners than humans or cats.
“We found that women commonly rate dogs as better bed partners than cats and human partners and report that their dogs enhance their sleep quality,” Christy Hoffman, Ph.D., animal behaviorist and lead researcher of the study.
Research Finds that Women Sleep Better Next to Dogs
Hoffman surveyed almost one thousand women living in the United States to come to these findings. The results showed that 55% of the participants shared their bed with at least one dog and 31% with at least one cat. Also, 57% of these women shared a bed with a human partner, while the rest did not. [1]
Hoffman also discovered why dogs seemed to make the best bed companions. The first reason is that dogs’ sleeping patterns, as opposed to cats, more closely resemble those of humans.
“The difference between dogs and cats is not surprising because dogs’ major sleep periods tend to coincide more closely with humans’ than do cats,’” said Hoffman.
However, while there may be benefits of these similar sleeping patterns, more research is needed to know for certain. But Hoffman has some ideas of how this could work.
“In comparison to human bed partners, dogs may be better at accommodating their human’s sleep schedule,” she said. “It’s not uncommon for human bed partners to go to bed at very different times and wake up at very different times. Such differences in partners’ schedules can certainly disrupt sleep. It may be that dog bed partners adapt more readily to their owner’s schedule than do human bed partners.”
Moreover, dogs require certain schedules and responsibilities, such as a morning walk. This kind of regime helps their owners maintain a routine, improving sleep quality as a result.
Stillness and Security
Additionally, dogs tend to stay stiff as they sleep. Anyone who’s slept with a fidgety partner knows how disruptive they could be. However, women in the study reported that their dogs stayed on the bed most of the night instead of felines, who tended to come and go.
“This suggests that cats may be more likely than dogs to create disruptions by moving on and off the bed during the night. In addition, we found that dog owners kept to more consistent bedtime and wake time schedules than cat owners and also tended to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than cat owners,” Hoffman said.
Here’s the third and most important reason: Canines provide a sense of security to their owners. More so than with cats or even human partners.
“Some dog owners may take comfort in the thought that their dog will alert them in the case of an intruder or other type of emergency; furthermore, a dog’s bark may deter a potential intruder. A cat is less likely to take on this role, and so, may not provide psychological comfort in the same way a dog might,” said Hoffman.
The Best Partner for Quality Sleep
However, while the study suggests that dogs are the perfect slumber buddies, their benefits are subjective to each case. For example, a dog could snore or make the bed too hot. Additionally, there are many owners who find that their cats help them sleep.
Keep in mind that the research was based on how the volunteers perceive their pets’ effects on their sleeping quality and duration. As a result, more objective research is needed to definitively consider dogs the superior sleeping partners. However, Hoffman believes that these studies could be beneficial as many American households have pets.
“It will be valuable to continue this line of research so we can develop a clearer picture of the contexts under which pets and their presence in their owner’s bed may positively impact sleep quality, and the contexts under which co-sleeping with a pet may be detrimental to one’s sleep quality,” she said.
For instance, research has also shown that women sleep better while alone than with a human, but many believe in the opposite. Future research could use Fitbit-like devices to objectively track the sleep quality of people in different sleeping conditions.
There are 5 types of feet: each indicating a particular personality type
Have you ever looked at your feet and wondered if their shape could say something about who you are? According to morphopsychology, the shape of your body—including your feet—can reveal hidden aspects of your character. While this idea may sound unusual, many people find these observations surprisingly accurate.
There are five primary foot types, each linked to specific personality traits. So, take a look at your feet, see which category you fall into, and let’s explore what your foot shape says about you!
Egyptian Foot: The Visionary and Empathetic Soul
The Egyptian foot is defined by a smooth, sloping shape where the big toe is the longest, and each subsequent toe is slightly shorter than the one before it.
People with Egyptian feet are often dreamers, deeply in tune with their emotions and those of others. They are known for their love of culture, art, and travel, always seeking new experiences and knowledge. Their natural empathy makes them great listeners, and they avoid conflict at all costs.
However, their compassionate nature can sometimes be seen as a weakness. They may struggle with setting boundaries, often giving too much of themselves to others. While their kindness is admirable, learning to protect their emotional well-being is essential for their happiness.
Roman Foot: The Social Butterfly and Adventurer
Roman feet are characterized by the first three toes being roughly the same length, with the last two toes slightly shorter. This foot shape is common among people who are charismatic, outgoing, and full of life.
Video : WHAT YOUR FOOT SHAPE REVEALS ABOUT YOU
If you have Roman feet, you likely enjoy social gatherings and meeting new people. You are confident, bold, and often the center of attention. Your enthusiasm and sense of humor make you a natural entertainer, and you thrive in environments where you can express yourself.
On the flip side, your carefree attitude can sometimes lead to irresponsibility. You prefer to focus on fun rather than serious matters, and avoiding conflicts may cause you to overlook important issues. Finding a balance between excitement and responsibility will help you navigate life more smoothly.
Greek Foot: The Creative and Passionate Leader
Greek feet are easy to spot—they have a second toe that is noticeably longer than the big toe. This unique foot shape is often linked to people with strong leadership qualities and an abundance of creativity.
If you have Greek feet, you are an innovator who thrives on new ideas and inspiration. You are energetic, passionate, and always looking for ways to push boundaries. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and people often look to you for motivation.
However, your impulsive nature can sometimes work against you. You may rush into decisions without fully thinking them through, leading to unnecessary stress or setbacks. Your mood can also be unpredictable, often influenced by past experiences and emotions. Learning patience and self-reflection will help you channel your creativity into meaningful success.
Germanic Foot: The Logical and Analytical Thinker
The Germanic foot is defined by a big toe that is significantly larger than the rest, while the remaining four toes are of equal length. People with this foot type tend to be highly analytical, logical, and practical.
If you have Germanic feet, you likely approach life with a rational mindset. You prefer to rely on facts and logic rather than emotions, making you an excellent problem-solver. You are calm, reliable, and dependable—someone people trust when they need solid advice.
However, your preference for logic over emotion can sometimes make you seem distant or unapproachable. You may struggle to connect with people on an emotional level, which can create misunderstandings in relationships. Learning to balance logic with empathy will help you build stronger personal connections.
Celtic Foot: The Ambitious and Eccentric Visionary
Celtic feet are unique, featuring both a longer second and third toe, making them distinct from other foot shapes. This rare foot type is associated with individuals who are ambitious, unconventional, and always thinking outside the box.
Video : 5 Feet Shapes That Indicate Your Personality
If you have Celtic feet, you have a strong desire to stand out and make a difference. You are independent, bold, and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Your mind works in a way that others may find unconventional, but this uniqueness is your greatest strength.
However, your eccentric nature can sometimes make it difficult for others to understand you. You prefer to avoid negativity and toxic influences, choosing instead to focus on your personal goals. While your ambition is commendable, ensuring that you maintain meaningful relationships along the way will lead to a more fulfilling life.
What Does Your Foot Shape Say About You?
While foot shape analysis is more of a fun personality test than a science, many people find striking similarities between their foot type and their character. Whether you are a free-spirited dreamer, a fearless leader, or a logical strategist, your feet might just be revealing hidden truths about your personality.
So, take a look at your feet—what do they say about you? Maybe the answer is more revealing than you think!
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