Sleep apnea is a frustrating medical condition that can wake a sleeper many times in a single night, and it can lead to a host of serious health and quality-of-life issues. Unfortunately, sleeping with a pet in the room may aggravate a person’s symptoms. Here’s a brief guide to why this is as well as a few tips that may help you get better sleep so you can enjoy happier days.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea refers to when a patient’s airway frequently becomes constricted due to the weight of the tissues in the neck when they relax during slumber. This can quickly cut off the body’s supply of oxygen, which will cause the patient to wake up suddenly and out of breath. These interruptions can happen more than a hundred times a night, and they can lead to serious overall health issues like:
- Grogginess
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Irritability
- Overeating
- Overreliance on stimulants like nicotine or caffeine
- Increased risk of cardiovascular issues like stroke or heart disease
- Falling asleep while operating vehicles or other heavy machines, which can lead to life-threatening injuries
Can Sleeping with My Pet in the Room Worsen Sleep Apnea?
Virtually anything that makes it harder to breathe can worsen sleep apnea, and pet allergies are no exception. If you are allergic to a pet’s dander, allowing the animal to sleep in the same room with you can lead to inflammation of the airway that can make it more difficult to breathe comfortably. This can make it easier for the patient’s airflow to become restricted if the throat’s tissues begin to press on the windpipe, which may make apnea events more likely.
While it’s unlikely for people with mild allergies to have problems sleeping with pets in the room, the risk may be greater if the animal is allowed to sleep on the bed.
How Can I Get Better Sleep with Sleep Apnea?
Your dentist will be happy to help you find an effective treatment to address your sleep apnea. However, you may be able to get temporary relief at home with these methods:
- Sleep with your head propped up with pillows, cushions, or a recliner: This will allow gravity to pull the weight of your neck’s tissues away from the windpipe while you are resting.
- Quit smoking: Kicking a tobacco habit will help your respiratory system function more efficiently so you can breathe more comfortably while asleep.
- Regular exercise: Exercising frequently will strengthen your heart and lungs so you can breathe more easily.
- Refrain from eating or drinking alcohol before bed: This will make it easier for your body to enter a restful state.
- Avoid blue light before bed: Blue light tricks your brain into feeling more wakeful. It’s best to avoid looking at screens and other sources of blue light before bed.
Don’t let sleep apnea wear you out and lead to serious overall health issues. Consulting with your dentist can help you find how to achieve superior rest.
About the Practice
Dr. Mariya Barnett earned her dental degree at the University of Michigan and obtained her Advanced Education in Geneal Dentistry at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Dallas offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea services. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact her office online or dial (469) 874-0469.