To let your dog sleep in your bed or not, that is (often) the question. Personally, I think it’s very cozy sleeping with my dog by my side, it relaxes me. I just find I have to wash my sheets more often.

But dog owners have varied opinions on the issue; some think it’s unhygienic, while others think it’s relaxing and necessary for a good night’s sleep.

But now research has emerged that shows there are a number of advantages to having your four-legged friend by your side.The study involved 150 participants from the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the results are surprising.

Among the participants, 56 percent said they shared a bed or bedroom with a dog or cat. And in this group, 41 percent said the animals helped them to sleep better at night, according to U.K. newspaper the Daily Mail.

Research showed that in most cases sleeping with your dog relaxed owners as they felt more secure with their pets by their side.

Still not convinced? Here are eight reasons why sleeping with your pet by your side is better for you, according to the research.

1. Comforting
Having your best friend close by for hugs can put you in a better mood before going to sleep.

2. Helps you drift off
I often find it hard to fall asleep at night and I know I’m not the only one. A study shows that a dog reduces stress and makes you calmer, which in turn helps you to drift off easier.

3. Reduces stress
Research shows that dogs can help to reduce stress. Therapy dogs are a good example of how animals are used to help those suffering after traumatic events in their lives.

4. Provides warmth
Dogs like to be near us and in winter they offer that extra warmth in bed.

5. Reduces the risk of depression
Dogs provide unconditional love. For those people suffering with depression, close proximity to a dog can make you feel better.

6. Safe space
Even if your dog isn’t the perfect watchdog, we always feel that little bit safer with a dog by our side. They are a good deterrent for anyone considering breaking in to your home and knowing that their powerful hearing would pick up on trespassers and alert us, is something that makes any dog owner feel that little bit safer.

7. Beneficial for your dog
It’s not just you who feels better having your dog by your side at night, your dog also appreciates the extra comfort. There is no one else in the world that your dog loves as much as you, so being by your side at night is something that your dog will love.

8. Dogs are good for your brain
Feeling calm, safe and happy because your dog sleeps by your side is all due to a reaction in your brain caused by your oxytocin levels increasing when you pet your dog. When your oxytocin hormone is released it increases your sense of relaxation, confidence and psychological stability. This is not only good for your mood but also for your brain, according to studies .