Pets bring comfort, companionship, and plenty of joy to our lives. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association discovered that dogs can be found in roughly one-third U.S. homes. For many people, sleeping with a dog or cat nearby is part of their nightly routine. But if you have sleep apnea, you may wonder whether your furry friend could be affecting the quality of your sleep.
The answer isn’t necessarily that your pet causes sleep apnea, but certain aspects of sharing your bedroom with a pet could potentially interfere with sleep or worsen factors that contribute to nighttime breathing problems.
Can Pets Cause Sleep Apnea?
Pets don’t directly cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The condition occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or collapses during sleep, interrupting normal breathing and keeping you from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep that are crucial to both your health and quality of life.
However, pets can potentially affect your sleep environment. For example, pet dander, fur, or other allergens may trigger nasal congestion in people who are sensitive to them. A stuffy nose can make breathing during sleep more difficult and may contribute to snoring or disrupted sleep.
Pets can also move around, make noise, or wake you during the night. Those who suffer from OSA often already wake up repeatedly gasping for breath; even more interruptions to your slumber from your pet can leave you feeling exhausted and make it harder to get the proper sleep your body needs.
What About Sleeping with Your Pet?
If your pet sleeps in your bed, consider whether they’re interfering with your sleep. A dog that moves frequently, a cat that becomes active during the night, or a pet that wakes you for attention can disrupt your normal sleep cycle.
You don’t necessarily need to banish your pet from the bedroom if you’re sleeping well. Researchers at Mayo Clinic did a study and learned that human sleep efficiency, or the amount of time spent in bed sleeping versus being awake, was highest when a participant slept with a human partner and had a dog in the bedroom, but not in the bed.
If you’re experiencing frequent nighttime awakenings, congestion, or worsening sleep symptoms, experimenting with having your pet sleep elsewhere, whether in the room with you or in another area of your residence, may help you determine whether they’re contributing to the problem.
Keep Your Bedroom Allergy-Friendly
If you feel like pet allergens may be affecting your breathing, keeping your bedroom clean may help. Wash your bedding regularly, vacuum frequently, and consider using an air purifier with appropriate filtration.
Keeping pets off your bed may also reduce your exposure to dander and fur. Regularly bathing and grooming your pet according to veterinary recommendations can help manage allergens throughout your home.
Your pet may not be responsible for your sleep apnea, but your sleeping environment can influence how well you rest. If you’re struggling with sleep quality, consider whether your pet’s presence, allergens, or nighttime activity could be contributing and discuss persistent symptoms with a qualified sleep professional.
About the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dental Medicine and can perform all aspects of dentistry, from root canals and porcelain veneers to dental implants and sleep apnea therapy. He can have a lightweight, portable oral appliance custom-made for you to wear at night that will keep your airway open while you sleep, allowing you to get the restorative rest you deserve. If sleep apnea is disrupting your slumber, contact us online for an appointment or call our Astoria, NY office at (718) 806-1662.