Dogs see fewer colours than humans, but their sense of smell is incredible and, as such, they experience the world through their sense of smell. They possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, whereas humans only experience 6 million at most. As such, dogs will ‘smell’ for a sleeping spot that is associated with their owner as it will be familiar to them.
If you have a dog that likes to sleep in your bed, you will notice that they like to ‘prepare’ their surroundings. For example before they sleep with you in your bed, they will fuss with your sheets and blankets all while pawing, sniffing and turning around. Some of the funny things you’ll notice them doing may include spinning around, head-butting the pillows or blankets and digging at the bed.
Scientifically, dogs have been known to relax their owners in bed when they are sleeping. The rhythmic breathing helps the owner fall asleep. Dogs are also warm, being on average 3 to 6 degrees higher than people and cuddling up with them when they are sleeping are more efficient as opposed to an electric blanket or extra blankets. The cuddling also releases Oxytocin (The ‘good feeling’ chemical) that increases people’s feelings of safety, psychological stability and relaxation.
In summary, if you have a dog you love, they’ll do great things for your sleep :)