Would you be surprised to learn that, in 2022, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that nearly half of its survey respondents regularly sleep with their pet in bed at night?
Many people believe that their furry companion helps soothe them so that they can get a better night’s rest. But if you have sleep apnea, you might wonder whether having an animal nearby might worsen your condition rather than improve it. Continue reading to learn more about how your pet might impact your nighttime disorder!
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect My Health?
If you regularly snore or frequently have headaches or a sore or stiff jaw, you might have developed sleep apnea. Those with this condition experience repeated interruptions to their breathing while asleep, disrupting their natural circadian rhythms. You might not think this disorder is a big deal, but the truth is, it can seriously affect your oral and overall health in a few different ways.
For example, you’re likely to develop dry mouth from snoring, which encourages unhealthy bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, chronically low oxygen levels can also increase blood pressure, leading to heart problems. You might also develop metabolic issues or type 2 diabetes, as well as experience mood swings, daytime exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating.
Does My Pet Affect My Sleep Patterns?
Many pet owners believe that snoozing with their fuzzy friend can help them get better quality rest and allow them in their beds at night. But you’re not alone if you’re wondering whether there’s any scientific evidence to support this theory.
Several studies have evaluated whether pets improve the quality of rest. For example, one published in 2015 revealed that having a single dog in the bedroom helped maintain good sleep efficiency, which refers to the amount of time you spend asleep in your bed. With that said, whether the dog was on or off the bed affected the results: their person’s sleep efficiency was lower when the dog was on the bed rather than in the room.
Should I Sleep with My Pet?
So, can sleeping with your pet worsen symptoms of sleep apnea? That depends on your circumstances! Some animals tend to become more active at night or are prone to moving around or making noises that might interrupt your sleep. Others might snuggle up quietly close by, which can potentially help reduce your blood pressure and heart rate.
If you’re concerned that your pet might be affecting your sleep apnea or have questions about how to reduce symptoms of your disorder, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your sleep dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Beck Dental Care of Columbia benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping improve people’s lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Hart, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Matthews use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver a comprehensive menu of quality services under one roof, including sleep apnea therapy. They take the time to get to know you and your unique goals and concerns, then provide customized treatments to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (931) 416-3698.