Research suggests that the specific warmth of a dog sleeping against your body activates the same oxytocin pathways as skin-to-skin contact with a partner, which is why people who sleep with their dog report feeling held even when they technically sleep alone

AI BRIEFING

• ⬤ Research finds that sleeping with dogs activates oxytocin pathways similar to skin-to-skin contact with a partner.
• ⬤ This phenomenon may help explain why people who sleep with their dogs report feeling held even when alone.
• ⬤ The warmth of a dog's body may be sufficient to trigger oxytocin release and feelings of connection.