No matter your age or where you live, sometimes being alone in a dark room at night can still give you the creeps. 

A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic shows that those who sleep with their dogs in their bed feel much safer at night than those who sleep alone. 

Especially if you or your children are among those that suffer from night terrors, or simply feel uneasy when trying to fall asleep, having your dog next to you may help. 

Knowing your pet is loyal to you, and will likely try to alert/defend you in case of an intruder, is a great comfort to many. 

Whether you've been officially diagnosed with depression/anxiety, or have just

been feeling a little down lately, sleeping with a dog can help you to fight off the symptoms of depression. 

A recent survey by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America found that, of the 70% of adults who say they deal with stress on a daily basis, 54% say their symptoms are much worse at night. 

Many also report that their anxiety makes it difficult to fall asleep, and that this only compounds the effects of stress the next day. 

Having your dog sleep next to you provides a level of comfort that can help you to overcome feelings of anxiety and sadness. 

First, it's nice to know that there's something you can reach out and pet if you're really struggling. But more importantly, dogs help those with mental illness feel needed and appreciated. The reminder that your dog relies on you for food, walks, and even love and attention will help you remember that you matter. 

Remembering this can help you to block out the nighttime feelings of worthlessness that often accompany depression/anxiety. 

According to recent studies, depression and anxiety aren't the only disorders that dogs can help to treat. 

They may also be effective in helping you to overcome insomnia, a sleep disorder that makes it almost impossible to both fall and stay asleep. 

Why? 

First, as mentioned above, dogs can help to lower your levels of stress and anxiety -- meaning that you're far less likely to spend the night tossing and turning over the next day's responsibilities. 

However, the study also suggests that dogs can help you to escape a nighttime state of "hyperarousal and hypervigilance" -- two common causes of insomnia. 

This means that you'll be far less likely to be woken up by slight noises, and that any paranoia you experience will be less frequent.  

Living with a partner that loves to crank the air conditioner to the max at night? Heating on the fritz? Do you just struggle to find a comfortable room temperature at night, making falling asleep a challenge? 

Your dog can help with that. 

Dogs have a natural tendency to get as close to their owners as they can -- you've likely experienced this firsthand when you're trying to get work done! 

This means that they'll snuggle right up to you, helping you to get warm and cozy without getting overheated. 

Plus, on colder nights, they're a much safer alternative than electric blankets and heating pads, which have been known to catch on fire. 

Of course, you're not the only one who will get a better night's sleep by sharing your bed with your dog. 

Recently, much has been written about whether or not it's truly in your pet's best interest to keep them in a crate or kennel at night. Some animal rights activists believe that crate training may cause mental illness in dogs. 

So, to stay on the safe side, why not let your dog sleep with you? This isn't just more comfortable for your pup, it also helps to build an even stronger relationship between you two. 

Especially if your dog suffers from anxiety or even unchecked aggression, letting them sleep with you may benefit their mental health as much as it does your own.