Could Sharing a Bed with Your Pet Affect Your Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, it’s essential to take the time to consider all the factors that could be affecting the quality of your rest. For example, you may be in the habit of letting your pet snuggle up with you when it’s time to go to bed – but is this really the best choice when you’re dealing with sleep-disordered breathing? Here’s what pet owners with sleep apnea need to know about sharing a bed with their furry friends.

How Can Pets Impact Your Sleep in General?

Some people believe that sharing a bed with their pets can help them sleep better, finding that their presence provides a sense of warmth and security. However, there is evidence that pets can affect sleep efficiency, which is a ratio of how much time you spend asleep compared to the total amount of time you spend in bed. Studies show that people who sleep with a pet but no human partner tend to have lower sleep efficiency. That said, the impact doesn’t seem to be too severe.

Can Pets Affect Sleep Apnea?

When you have sleep apnea, your nightly slumber is interrupted by repeated pauses in your breathing. Said pauses are usually caused by an obstruction of the airway. Since each pause can force your body to briefly wake up, sleep apnea can make it extremely difficult to get quality sleep, which can have a detrimental effect on your overall health and well-being.

If sleep apnea is already disrupting your rest, sharing a bed with your pet could make the issue worse. The movements and sounds from your four-legged friend could ultimately make it harder to fall and stay asleep, thus adding to your already existing sleep problems. On top of that, if you’re allergic to pet dander, sharing a bed with your pet could lead to nasal congestion, which can potentially make sleep-disordered breathing even more severe.

What Should You Do to Reduce Your Pet’s Impact on Your Sleep?

If you’re worried that your pet may be contributing to your sleep apnea or could otherwise be having a negative effect on your sleep, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Stop sharing a bed with your pet. Instead, set aside a nice spot in your bedroom where they can curl up for a good night’s rest.
• Make a point of keeping your bedroom clean. Remember to wash your sheets and vacuum regularly to get rid of lingering pet dander.
• Take an allergy medication if you need to.
• Make sure that you’re sticking with your sleep apnea treatment (which can take the form of a CPAP machine or a customized oral appliance).

As much as you may love your pet, it’s important to take whatever steps are necessary to manage your sleep apnea and get the quality sleep that you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is a proud graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. She has been attending continuing education courses about obstructive sleep apnea and related topics since 2005, and she holds membership with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She offers personalized oral appliances for patients seeking sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.