If you find yourself staring at the ceiling night after night, you’ll try just about anything for a good night’s sleep. Warm baths, sleepy teas, meditation apps… But what if the secret to finally getting some shut eye has been curled up at your feet all along? I spoke to veterinarian Dr. Hannah Norell, who recommends her insomnia patients buy themselves a dogbed for humans. Yes, you read that correctly! Here’s why this quirky sleep hack just might work.
The Overheating Factor
According to Dr. Norell, one of her most common insomnia triggers among clients is overheating at night. Our dogs seem to know a thing or two about staying cool at bedtime. But she says many pooches end up crowded out of beds by well-meaning owners, forcing dogs back onto the unforgivingly hard, cold floor.
“We gravitate to letting our pets sleep with us not realizing we are likely compounding night sweat issues. Human dog beds provide that Happy Medium – keeping humans at an even, comfortable temperature but still allowing closeness with pets.”
The Nest Effect
Beyond temperature regulation, Dr. Norell points to the enclosed, den-like nature of a dog bed triggering a primal sense of security. “The high walls cradle you, blocking out light and noise for an incredibly restful, womb-like environment.” She likens entering a human-sized dog bed to a psychological signal for the brain to start powering down into sleep mode.
“Dogs innately know the safety and comfort snoozing in small spaces brings. But the truth is humans gravitate toward that protected, cocooned feeling too – it taps deep into our DNA.” Replicating canine conditions could be the biohack to hacking insomnia.
Support Beyond Memory Foam
We also can’t overlook the advanced orthopedic properties of many high end dog beds. Dr. Norell sees lots of insomnia resulting from chronic pain issues. And she asserts too firm or too soft mattresses often exacerbate rather than help muscle tension and joint discomfort.
“Dog beds provide cushioning, conforming support tuned into the areas people report struggling with most – shoulders, hips, knees. And unlike spring mattresses poking you all night, you wake feeling refreshed.” That absence of nagging aches translates to more rapid, sustained sleep onset.
Should You Ask Your Doc First?
Dr. Norell reminds those with complex medical conditions to consult their physicians before radically changing sleep set-ups. But for otherwise healthy folks, she enthusiastically endorses at least trialing a human dog bed. At worst, you’ll annoy your actual pup simmering with jealousy over you stealing their sacred space!
Common Questions About Dog Beds for Insomniacs (FAQs)
How supportive are they actually?
With loads of memory and orthopedic foam options now available, many rival or even surpass mattresses for alignment and pressure relief. Just communicate needs to manufacturers.
Do I need to use it every night?
You may experience an adjustment period switching between beds, much like travelers can struggle in hotel beds. Try alternating at first before fully committing.
Will I get made fun of for having a ‘dog bed’?
Hey, if it helps you finally get restorative sleep, who cares what anyone thinks! But ‘human dog bed’ terminology helps convey you’re purchasing an elevated people-sized version.
What’s the ideal dog bed fill material?
That depends on your sleep style and health needs. Cooling gels, responsive latex and high density memory foams all have pros and cons to consider.
So don’t sleep on this unorthodox insomnia remedy. Talk to your healthcare pro about whether catching some zzz’s like your canine pal could have you both dozing peacefully through the night. Now if you’ll excuse me, my bed shaped like a giant dog bone is calling my name. Aroo!
