Judith Woods My dog cured my insomnia
Legend has it that for Eskimos a “two-dog night” is one that’s so bitterly cold you need to cuddle up to a couple of huskies to ward off the Arctic chill.
When I talk about a “two-dog night” however, it means my husband is away (yay!) and I will be tucked up with our Manchester terriers, Otto and Mabel, my favourite bedfellows.
Why? Because I am guaranteed eight hours or more of blissful slumber, untouched by human hand, undisturbed by chainsaw snores.
It would seem I’m not unique; new research reveals that women sleep more soundly with a dog next to them than with the man they married, or indeed the family cat.
The University of Florida study questioned 962 women and discovered that dogs were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with more cosy, reassuring feelings.
That’s not news in our house. I don’t dislike cats, but dogs are more comforting; programmed to sleep with the pack, through the night and do as they are told. They have no desire to mew with boredom, or sit on your head at 3am. Our mutts usually sleep in the kitchen, so being
invited into bed is such a major coup that they curl up close with a sigh of contentment; Mabel behind me, in the crook of my knee, Otto to the front, in the crook of my arm.
They might shift in the night, but when a bony leg intrudes or a scratchy paw disturbs, I just shove the offender away with impunity. No offence taken.
And their presence has an effect beyond the emotional. I have found sleeping with my dog next to me is the perfect cure for insomnia. Their serenity settles my mind; I have often nodded off while stroking a soft ear.
Unlike a spouse, dogs don’t grumble, hog the duvet or noisily traipse off to the loo. They are quiet, calm, continent and above all – grateful.
That’s probably the nub of the issue; there’s something so life-affirming about a dog’s unconditional gratitude. What a husband takes for granted – comfy bed, warm wife – my dogs regard with giddy joy.
Yes, there are hairs on the sheets and the odd muddy mark on the pillow, but take it from me; if you want to feel adored in bed, you don’t need a man. You need his best friend beside you.