Millions of people across the United States own a cat or dog. If you are among them, your fur baby is probably a treasured member of your family. But could your precious pet be affecting the quality of your sleep? In this blog post, you will learn how sleeping with your pet might affect your sleep, as well as the impact that it could have on your sleep apnea.
Sleeping with a Pet: Good News and Bad News
Sleeping with your pet might offer a few benefits:
- Comfort and security. Snuggling with a pet at night may provide a sense of comfort and security, which could help you fall asleep faster and enjoy higher-quality sleep.
- Improved emotional health. Many people with emotional struggles, such as anxiety or depression, find that sleeping with their cat or dog helps to ease their symptoms.
- Better overall health. Research indicates that touching a dog can reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
Of course, it must be acknowledged that sleeping with your pet could also have some downsides:
- Allergies. Even a minor allergy to pet dander might interfere with your ability to breathe well at night.
- Germ exposure. Pets can carry dangerous microorganisms, so sleeping with one carries a small risk of illness.
- Poor sleep efficiency. The movements of your animal might disrupt your sleep efficiency, which is a measure of time spent in bed vs. time asleep.
What if You Have Sleep Apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, it might not be a good idea to sleep with your pet for a few reasons:
- If you have allergies, nasal congestion could worsen the breathing problems that already come with sleep apnea. A thorough cleaning routine for your bedroom (as well as a grooming routine for your pet) might reduce this problem.
- Curious pets like to chew on things, and they might end up damaging part of your CPAP machine. Some pets have even been known to steal their owner’s custom oral appliance. If you choose to let your animal into your bedroom, keep a close eye on it. You might also have to do a bit of training to keep your sleep apnea equipment safe.
So, Is It Okay to Sleep with Your Pet?
Whether or not you sleep with your pet is purely a personal decision. After you consider all the factors involved, you can design a sleep routine that is best for your unique circumstances.
Meet the Practice
The Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team in Katy is proud to help patients find freedom from sleep apnea via services like corrective surgery for the anatomical issues that cause breathing disruptions. If you have been struggling with poor quality sleep, we are ready to advise you on your next steps. Get in touch with our office at 832-353-1100.