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Could Your Pet be Interfering with Your Sleep? The Answer Inside

November 11, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — columbussleepcenter @ 4:53 pm

man sleeping with dog in bedIf you’re like most pet owners, you and your pet are virtually inseparable. While it’s well established that having an animal companion provides emotional benefits that can translate into physical wellness as well, there is at least one serious challenge that this relationship can pose. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic suggests that if your pet likes to jump into the bed while you sleep, it could be interfering with your nighttime rest and contributing to sleep apnea in Columbus. Read on to get more details.

Can Sleeping with Your Pet Diminish Your Quality of Rest?

In a study of 40 adult dog owners, researchers at the Mayo Clinic measured the time each adult slept nightly for a week. As part of the study, the owners answered questions concerning where they and their dog slept each night.

The researchers concluded that those who didn’t share a bed with their pet rested better than their counterparts who allowed their dog to sleep in the same bed. The members of the latter group were aroused out of their sleep several more times than those who didn’t share their bed with a pet. These telling results would provide greater insight into a possible connection between sleeping with a pet and sleep apnea.

The Importance of Sleep Tracking Revealed

The results of the study also highlighted the importance of tracking sleep patterns on a consistent basis, and not just as part of a study. Thankfully, there are several apps available now to help, such as Sleep Cycle, Pillow, AutoSleep, Sleep Cycle Power Nap and many more.

Here are some factors to take into consideration, if applicable:

  • The amount of time you spend sleeping
  • Caffeine intake
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Work schedule
  • Meal timing

While these apps are excellent tools for helping you monitor your sleep habits, they shouldn’t be relied on to diagnose serious health issues like sleep apnea. If you suspect you have the condition or some other type of sleep disorder, you should bring it to your physician’s attention so you can undergo a sleep study.

A Connection Between Your Pet and Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing while sleeping. The most common cause of the issue is a partial obstruction of the airway. As part of the treatment process that a dentist may prescribe for the condition, it’s helpful to create an atmosphere conducive to resting well at night.

Thus, given that the Mayo Clinic study has shown a connection between dogs sleeping in the bed with their owner and sleep interruptions, it’s probably a good idea for patients recovering from sleep apnea to avoid this all together.

The good news is that once you’re awake, you can give your pet all the hugs and attention it needs after having a rejuvenating night of sleep.

About the Author

A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck hasn’t been one to rest on his laurels. As a result, he has received advanced postgraduate training, which includes the treatment of sleep apnea. Additionally, Dr. Buck maintains professional affiliation with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He helps patients recover from sleep apnea at The Columbus Sleep Center, and he can be reached for more information through his website.

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