Women Who Share Bed with Dogs Get Better Sleep, Study Finds

This adorable little lady is my dog, Leela. A recent survey suggests she's a sleep aid. I wonder if she knows that.

A survey of 962 women in the U.S. found that women who share a bed with their dog associated their pet with stronger feelings of comfort and security. Dogs were also perceived as less disruptive of sleep.

The survey published by Anthrozoös found that dog owners have earlier bed times and wake times than people who have cats and no dogs. It was also indicated that cats were perceived as being just as disruptive to sleep as human partners, and were associated with weaker feelings of comfort and security than both dog and human sleep partners.

I'm not a woman and I don't sleep with any animals in my bed, so I can't offer any firsthand insight into this. However, my mother lives with me and lets Leela sleep in the bed with her. Since we got Leela almost four years ago, she's definitely been sleeping better and feeling more rested in the mornings.

Leela has her own blanket on the bed, and every night she performs what my mom calls her "burrito dance" to wrap herself up in it. Once she's wrapped, she tends to stay in her little warm, cozy spot all night.

I've yet to capture the burrito dance on camera, but if I ever do I'll be sure to share with all of you.