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Sleep Disorders Blog

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com Guide to Sleep Disorders

Should Pets Share Your Bed?

Wednesday December 17, 2008

Many of us wouldn't sleep a wink without a beloved pet cozying up next to us, but is this bad for our sleep?

This question is best addressed on an individual basis. If you sleep well and wake up refreshed, it may not matter who or what sleeps in bed with you. However, if you are not sleeping well, it may be an issue that should be addressed as part of an assessment of your sleep hygiene.

Some may argue that sleep may be less disrupted without an animal in our bedspace moving about at night. Certainly there is also a risk of allergies to pet dander, which might make nighttime breathing more difficult. However, the pet may be a calming presence and part of a bedtime routine that may be well tolerated.

If you aren't sleeping well, it may be time to give that favored pet another look -- and maybe find another place for them to sleep.

Comments

December 18, 2008 at 9:10 am
(1) Joseph M says:

What if you wake up with a really bad pain in your neck just one time? Time to make the cat go?

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