When you get a new pet, one of the first rules that is established is whether your furry companion is allowed to sleep next to you in bed, or they need to curl up someplace else. Something you may not have considered is if your pet affects your quality of sleep. If you have sleep apnea, does sleeping next to your pet make it worse? Continue reading to learn about the connection between sleep quality and pets.
What Are the Advantages of Sleeping with Your Pet?
If you are someone with animals in your home, you likely already guessed that there are many advantages to sleeping near your pets. Here are some of the ones the pet owners report:
- Improved Emotional Wellbeing: Many dog owners report that sleeping with their pets brings them increased comfort and reduces feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Security: Having a pet in your room, especially if you live alone, can help you feel safer. This is because pets are likely to alert you of any unusual sounds or movements, helping you feel more at ease.
- Bonding: When you sleep next to your pet, the bond between you increases. When you have a happy, content pet, this can positively impact you.
- Calming: Lots of pet owners find that the sounds, warmth, and movements of their pets help them feel more calm as they rest.
What Are the Disadvantages of Sleeping with Your Pet?
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, there could be more negative consequences to sleeping with your pet than with someone without a sleep disorder. For instance, if you experience allergies, pet dander can increase nasal congestion, respiratory irritation, and mouth breathing. This can worsen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
How to Achieve Higher Quality Sleep with Pets
Here are some tips to help you get higher-quality sleep when you have pets:
- Training: If you notice a lot of sleep disturbances, use positive reinforcement to train your pet to stay in one spot in the bed or someplace else in the room where you sleep.
- Bedding: If you are bothered by pet hair, dander, and dirt, give your pet a specific blanket or sheet to sleep on.
- Grooming: By regularly brushing and bathing your pet, you can remove dirt and minimize the amount of pet dander on your bed.
- Wash Bedding: Washing your bedding frequently can help to create a healthier, more comfortable sleeping environment.
- Sleep Apnea Treatment: Be consistent about using your sleep apnea treatment.
Many people report achieving better sleep when being near their pets. By using the tips listed above, you can have your furry companion close by while achieving the best possible sleep!
About the Practice
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, we have a team of three skilled sleep apnea dentists serving patients in the Tulsa community. Together, they help patients achieve quality sleep through oral appliance therapy and combined therapy. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (918) 409-0914.