Whether you have a pet, consider getting one or haven’t thought about it yet, we’re happy to have you here with us today. Well, it’s no news that having a pet might contribute to one’s healthy well-being. Yet it might be beneficial to add some context and science behind these assumptions.
Will it improve my sleep?
- Taking care of a pet was shown to increase the production and secretion of both oxytocin (the love hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone). Due to these findings, it’s fair to say that having a pet can get our feelings scale wider on the positive side, and our sleep better.
- One’s feeling of security is also likely to improve with a pet around. Some pets can alarm whenever something happens, but even if nothing happens, just the feeling of not being alone raises the sense of security and enables a continuous deep sleep.
- A pet might be your reason to get some sun and take a walk, for example if you have a dog that has to go outside a few times every day. Spending time and energy through the day is known to have a major effect on the quality of sleep.
What other effects should I consider?
- Having a pet places the owner in a position of care-giving, which is in correlation with healthy mental states including high empathy capabilities and the ability to understand other’s needs through nonverbal communication.
- Having a pet was found to improve one’s immune system, by creating slight exposures to antigens and allowing our body to learn how to defend itself better. That advantage comes along with a disadvantage, due to the risk of over-exposure to germs and viruses.
- And let’s not forget that pets also give their owners unconditional love. This is such a rare feeling that anyone would have wanted, and having a pet can actually provide us with it.
Should I allow my pet to sleep with me in bed?
- This question has yet to be completely answered. While some research even shows that it’s not recommended, there is much evidence that choosing to allow your pet in your bed increases the beneficial effects.
Overall, having a pet can bring a wide range of benefits to your life, from emotional support to physical health. If you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, consider adopting a rescue animal and giving them a forever home
