Out with the snorer, in with the comfy dog

NEVER mind the hairs and paw prints on the duvet – women who want a sound night’s sleep should pack their partners off to the couch and take the dog to bed.

For female owners, dogs are less unsettling as a sleeping companion than men and can even help prevent nightmares, according to a report that studied nearly

1 000 women. Its authors wrote: “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.

“It may be related to dogs’ abilities to deter intruders and warn their owners of potential threats.”

And they added: “Dog ownership and its associated responsibilities may cause individuals to adhere to a stricter routine.

“Keeping to a consistent sleep schedule may be beneficial to dog owners.”

Author Jilly Cooper – who sleeps with her greyhound, Bluebell – told The Mail on Sunday: “My late husband didn’t allow dogs on the bed but I think it’s lovely.

“Bluebell can be a real pig, I have a huge bed but she insists on edging up next to me.

“I don’t mind at all.” However, the researchers noted that not all furry friends were suited to restful repose.

They added: “Conversely, cats who slept in their owner’s bed were reported to be equally disruptive as human partners, and were associated with weaker feelings of comfort and security than both human and dog bed partners.”