Let’s face it, dogs are good for us in so many ways. They must be as Americans share their lives with 89.7 million dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. To be sure, many of them also share the cabs of trucks.
Now it seems as though dogs can make us healthier, and help some of us get better sleep, something important to many truck drivers.
Participants in a recent survey reported that dogs in bed were less disruptive than human sleep companions, so the women got better sleep.A new study from the folks at the Mayo Clinic shows that people who own pets — especially dogs — have better heart health than those who are petless. In short, dog owners tend to be more active and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that “active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.”
Study authors also say dog ownership can improve your diet, and help fight depression.
And, researchers at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York recently surveyed 962 women throughout the U.S. They found 55% slept with a dog, 31% slept with a cat, and 57% slept with another human. Survey participants reported that dogs in bed were less disruptive than human sleep companions, so the women got better sleep.
The survey’s findings said, “compared with human bed partners, dogs who slept in the owner’s bed were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with stronger feelings of comfort and security.”
