The science of dog sleep - separating fact from fiction
Let sleeping dogs lie
The internet has lots of information on dogs and their behavior. But we don't hear much about the science of dog sleep.
"Let sleeping dogs lie" is a 13th century proverb that is a warning not to interfere in a situation, because you are likely to cause problems. Maybe this saying has influenced our lack of understanding of how dogs sleep. But new research has shed light on pet sleep patterns. Here are some facts, backed up by science, to set the record straight.
Fact or Fiction?
1. Dogs sleep more than humans
Many work-at-home families were surprised that their dogs slept so much during the day. But how many hours do most dogs actually sleep? First, it is important to remember that many animals - including dogs - spend time resting while not engaged in any activity. You may think they are asleep but they can jump up in an instant to bark at the mail carrier coming to the door. This makes sense. Dogs are descended from wolves and would need to respond quickly to threats in the environment.
OK, enough of the natural history. The facts are that dogs are diurnal - meaning they sleep mainly at night like we do. But dogs don't sleep for 8 hours straight. Adult dogs sleep between 60-80% of the night. They wake up and move around often. Our dogs like to switch beds, or go to the living room sofa in the middle of the night!
Dogs sleep more than most humans - an average of 10 hours during a 24 hour period. But there is a great diversity in the amount of sleep depending on factors like activity, breed, and diet. For example, did you know that feeding your dog twice a day (morning and evening) is related to 50% more activity at night than once daily feeding? Even things like learning a new trick, or receiving punishment, affect a dog's sleep.
2. Older dogs sleep more than adult dogs
The science of dog sleep says this one is true. Older dogs sleep more than average adult dogs. Many animals - from fish to monkeys - are generally less active in old age. Scientists found that older dogs have more disrupted sleep at night and less clearly defined circadian rhythms (or sleep-wake cycles). Elderly dogs may wake up earlier, and sleep in bouts during the day to make up for the loss of sleep. By the way, these issues are quite similar to changing sleep patterns as humans age, too.
3. Don't wake a dog
Sleep is just as important to dogs as it is to humans. That is when memories are consolidated and the body is rejuvenated. Dogs go into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, just like we do. This is when they dream and you have probably noticed your dog twitching, "running", or even vocalizing during REM sleep.
All of this means that waking up a dog while it is fast asleep can impact their quality of sleep and even their health. It can also be dangerous. Remember the last time you were deep asleep and were suddenly awoken? You probably felt disoriented and not sure where you were. Dogs can have the same experience. If the dog is startled or frightened when being woken up from deep sleep - he or she may even snap or bite.
If you need to wake up your sleeping dog, it is best to just call her name and not touch or get too close. Let the dog have time to wake up before expecting her to act normally. And since many of the dog bite victims each year are children, be sure that any children around your dog know not to interact with her when she is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
4. You shouldn't let your dog sleep on your bed
We often hear from dog trainers that allowing a dog to sleep on your bed will undermine your "alpha" status. Concerns are raised that this could lead to a lack of obedience or even aggression. However, most people allow their pets to sleep in their bedrooms and studies reported that 30-65% of people allow dogs and cats to sleep in their bed.
Each pet is different, and pet parents who want to sleep with their dog should closely watch for any signs that this is problematic. If your dog snarls when nudged to move over while sleeping on the bed, this may be a warning sign of dominance issues.
Sleep quality may also suffer when you share your bed with a pet. Remember that dogs wake often at night, and this can disrupt your sleep. Cats sleep less at night, and so are even more likely to wake their pet parents. Interestingly, the science of dog sleep shows that despite the disruptions that pets cause to sleep quality, most people surveyed felt that they slept better with their pet in the bed.
Zoonoses, or diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals, is a serious concern. A number of research studies have evaluated the pathogens that pets may carry into the bed. Various viruses, bacteria and parasites are common on pets. And some people may be allergic to pet dander. Intimate contact, such as during sleep, can increase the chance of exposure or infection.
So, if you choose to cuddle up each night with Fluffy - just be sure you have evaluated the risks involved. And be sure that your pet has a high-quality bed that is comfortable and supportive for restful sleep.