DEAR PET TALK: I had a conversation with a patient who reported that their sleeping was disturbed because they sleep with their pet, and the pet would be waking up several times in the course of the night. What do you suggest for that?
— Dr. F.
DEAR DR. F.: Thank you for a question that definitely has a medical component. Disrupted sleep is, alas, the story for most Americans, and the result can be impaired cognition, increased stress and many other ailments, illnesses and conditions.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Blake Zakarin, in “How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health,” (Columbia University, 2022), “not getting enough sleep or poor-quality sleep can increase risk for mental health disorders. While insomnia can be a symptom of psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression, it is now recognized that sleep problems can also contribute to the onset and worsening of different mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.” According to Dr. Zakarin, “sleep deprivation studies show that otherwise healthy people can experience increased anxiety and distress levels following poor sleep.”
A 2015 article, “Are Pets in the Bedroom a Problem?” published by the Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona asked a similar question, and interviewed 150 patients seen at the center. Here are results: “More than half of pet owners (56%) allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom. Fifteen pet owners (20%) described their pets as disruptive, whereas 31 (41%) perceived their pets as unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep. Health care professionals working with patients with sleep concerns should inquire about the presence of companion animals in the sleep environment to help them find solutions and optimize their sleep.”
Dozens of respondents gave an enthusiastic “yes!” when we asked on our social media whether people slept with a pet or not.
Many readers provided a ramp or additional platform for aging or frail pets to join them, and many people reported that their pet supervises the nightly routine.
Fitchburg’s Michelle Hodges, owner of an orange tom cat notes, “He thinks he owns the bed. He lets me know when it’s bedtime and is always the first one in the bed.”
Diane Dowd has three dogs 935 to 50 pounds each) and an 11-pound cat and either all or some are in the bed every night. Her solution to making sure there was enough room for all? “I got a bigger bed so we all fit easily,” she explained. “But the pups are always touching me throughout the night.”
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Text questions to 978-320-1335.
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