When you lay your head down at night, if you have one dog at your feet, a cat above your head, a spouse on the other side, and two toddlers in between, how are you supposed to get any sleep? While this all may make an adorable, soft, and snuggly image, the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center says that if you already suffer from a sleep disorder (such as obstructive sleep apnea) adding any extra disturbance to your already choppy sleep will only make the condition worse.
The Furry Family Bed
If you sleep with pets nestled snugly in your bed, you are not alone. One survey discerned that almost 50% of all domestic dogs and 62% of pet cats sleep happily in the beds of their owners. Can you blame them? Animals love the soft mattress and warmth of their owner’s body. Unfortunately, though, sleeping with pets may seem soothing, but it can certain have its downsides. If you have allergies, the itching and sneezing will be likely worsened by the dander in your pet’s fur, making you restless throughout the night and more likely to have breathing issues which accompany sleep apnea.
Sleep Interruption
One of the most common problems involved with sharing a bed with pets is the likely sleep interruption which comes along with a crowded bed. Your puppy may be a whiner or even snore louder than your partner. Your cat might scratch, become hyper and want to play, causing the dog to bark and wake you up yet again. All of these various (and very annoying) movements and sounds can be nearly as disturbing to your sleep as dealing with the sleep disorder obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your throat tissues collapse in a relaxed state, impairing your breathing and forcing you to wake up suddenly up to hundreds of times each night. If you feel like your family pets are lowering your quality of rest, consider giving them their own room.
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