You and your dog’s health rely on the quality of sleep you get each night. Create a healthy bedtime routine to help you and your dog sleep soundly through the night.

Exercise

Both you and your dog need exercise to stay healthy and encourage a good night’s sleep. If you get your dog to exercise before bed, they will likely need to drink water and set you both up for a late-night bathroom run. Avoid this by exercising earlier in the day. Try to exercise with your dog around the same time every day. Going for a long walk with your dog can be a great sleeping solution for insomnia. Some dogs have a lot of energy and will need more than one walk or a game of fetch each day. If you don’t have the time or energy to keep up, consider hiring a dog walker to help exercise your dog. You can also tire your dog out mentally with games, puzzle toys, and other fun activities.

Routine

Keeping a consistent bedtime routine will also help regulate circadian rhythms. Start by eating dinner around the same time every day. After your dog eats and drinks you can let them outside to run off any excess energy and go to the bathroom. If they don’t relieve themselves, they might have to wake you up in the middle of the night. Create a comfortable, quiet area where your dog can lay down while you wash up and brush your teeth.

Comfort

Create a relaxing environment with low lights and calming music. There are some white noise soundtracks and meditation music made special for dogs. Bright lights and screens may disrupt melatonin production. If your dog is not allowed on your bed, keep a special dog bed next to your bed. Let them chew on their favorite toy while you read a book and continue to wind down for bed.

Relaxation

Stress can disrupt the body’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep for both humans and dogs. Elevated levels of stress during the day can produce more cortisol which is a stress hormone that helps keep you awake. Cortisol helps you wake up in the morning, but it prevents you from falling asleep at night. To combat elevated levels of cortisol you can practice relaxation techniques and take calming supplements.

Cannabidiol

There are a variety of products made for dogs using pheromone sprays or chewable treats to calm down and relax. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one popular product that comes in many different forms including pills, treats, tinctures, and more. CBD is a natural supplement made for both humans and dogs that are commonly used to treat anxiety, restlessness, inflammation, and more. CBD works with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, pain, and several other physiological and cognitive functions.

Melatonin

You can encourage your body to naturally produce melatonin by getting plenty of sunshine during the day, eating a melatonin-rich diet, taking a hot bath, and getting rid of artificial lights from electronics before bed. If you are doing all of this and notice you still have trouble producing melatonin, you may want to try a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that can help you sleep. Pet manufacturers even make melatonin for dogs. Always check with your doctor and vet before you and your dog begin taking any new supplements.

With these tips, you no longer need to dread bedtime or worry about falling asleep. Whenever you notice you and your dog have trouble falling asleep at night, there are several things you can do to encourage a better night’s sleep every night.