Researching Animal Sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n Scientists are exploring the sleep patterns and circadian rhythms in companion animals. These are two traits dogs and cats share with humans. And, while they share the traits, their versions may not adapt well to the typical human cycle of sleep and activity. <\/p>\n The US Government\u2019s National Institute of General Medical Sciences says, \u201cCircadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions.\u201d Thus, it is important that we understand how we might help our dogs and cats conform to a 24-hour schedule that will help keep the human family members happy and healthy.<\/p>\n Cats Are Crepuscular<\/strong><\/p>\n Rather than nocturnal or most active at night, cats are crepuscular or most active at dawn and dusk. While they do have better night vision than humans, they are designed to hunt for food in those marginal periods between the heat of the day and the dark of the night.<\/p>\n Copper (shown above) lives and works with food writer and private cooking coach Jacqueline Church.<\/a> I couldn't resist asking if I could use this photo when she posted it. <\/p>\n If your cat tries to get you up before you\u2019re due to wake, the experts recommend a very active play period at dusk each day to tire the hunter and a strict adherence to no rewards (like attention or food) when the cat tries to become a 5:00 a.m. alarm clock. <\/p>\n If you are away during the day, you could have a pet sitter drop in to wake a cat who might just be sleeping the day away. A bit of mid-day activity or even an alarm or wake up call might help you both sleep through the night.<\/p>\n Do Dogs Dream?<\/strong><\/p>\n Most dog guardians have seen their dog\u2019s paws twitch while appearing to be sound asleep or have heard low woofs and garbled sounds and wondered if the dog is dreaming. <\/p>\n While we have no way to really know if the animals are dreaming, some researchers speculate that the same type of sorting and storing of daytime activities that seem to occur in humans might be happening with dogs and cats. <\/p>\n Dogs and Cats Nap a Lot<\/strong><\/p>\n Our companion animals sleep much more than we do. Dogs and cats are nappers with both species clocking in at about 14 hours a day of sleep in their middle years. Puppies, kittens, and elder dogs and cats require more sleep. Interestingly, dogs in active settings, like farms, seem to require less. <\/p>\n Keeping track of how much sleep your dog or cat gets each day will help you notice when that amount increases or decreases. Excessive sleeping or an unusual change in activity level can be a sign that something is wrong. And, if your dog or cat wakes suddenly when they were sound asleep without any outside stimuli to trigger it, it could be a sign of pain when they move in their sleep.<\/p>\n We all joke about how perfectly behaved and adorable our cats and dogs are when they are asleep. However, there may be much more than entertainment value in watching your critter doze. If you can help direct the four-legged sleep cycle, the whole family may be better rested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=bostonzestcom-20&l=ur2&o=1\")