Sleeping with Pets
People can develop allergic reactions to pet dander, fur, and hair. Even if you are not allergic per se, a build-up of dander can overwhelm your immune system, triggering a reaction.
You can also suddenly have an allergic reaction even if you have never had problems before, much the same as with hay fever.
People with dog or cat allergies tolerate some breeds more than others, and hypoallergenic breeds can still cause an allergic reaction.
Sleeping with pets and air quality
Pet dander contributes to indoor air pollution, like dust mites, smoke, pollen, and appliance emissions. However, it has a more significant effect in the bedroom if you sleep with pets, which can lead to respiratory problems.
If you have asthma or mild allergies, sleeping with a dog or cat makes it more likely you will have a reaction.
Your bedroom is meant to be a healthy place to get some sleep, so removing your pet from the bedroom is crucial if you want to maintain your health. This is especially true when you have a medical condition that affects breathing.
We also recommend buying an indoor air purifier with a HEPA filter and carbon filter so the air in your bedroom is cleaner than anywhere else.
Sleeping with pets and sleep disruption
This Mayo Clinic Sleep Center study of three hundred people found that 157 participants owned pets, and about 60% allowed their pets to sleep with them in bed. Of that 60%, 53% said their pets disrupted their sleep.
However, other studies have opposite findings. This study found that adolescents co-sleeping with pets saw sleep that was no better and no worse than sleep quality in those who did not co-sleep.
When it comes to co-sleeping with cats and dogs, this Swedish study found that sleeping with cats has a more significant impact on sleep than dogs do.
A separate study found dogs can be beneficial to human sleep, although the dog’s position is crucial to minimising sleep disruption.
Sleeping with pets and allergies
The biggest reason you should not sleep with cats and dogs is allergies.
Successfully sleeping with pets can put us into a false sense of security that everything is fine. The truth is that your immune system is constantly battling pet dander and hair, which can overwhelm your system after so long.
An allergenic reaction is mild for most people, typically involving sneezing, itchy eyes, skin, and a runny nose.
However, an allergenic reaction can be severe and fatal in people with allergies, especially those with asthma and breathing problems.
Allergies in cats and dogs are primarily caused by a protein found on the skin and in the saliva. Even hypoallergenic breeds can trigger allergies in sensitive people and when the pet sleeps too closely with the owner.
Sleeping with pets and cleanliness
Dogs and cats keep themselves as clean as possible, but it doesn’t change the fact they smell and lose more dander and fur/hair than people. Additionally, they walk barefoot and do not like to lick and clean their bum.
While a human can be no cleaner than a pet, it is a different kind of dirt that can contaminate your bedroom with smells and bacteria. Without regular cleaning, smells and dirt from pets can overwhelm your space.
The key is to clean and change your bedding regularly (including your duvet and pillows) and wet vacuum the floor every few months to remove dirt.
Summing up
Sleeping with pets is not considered unhealthy but is a common trigger for asthma, allergies, and nasty bedroom smells.
We advise not sleeping with cats and dogs to eliminate most pet dander from the bedroom. You can also buy an air purifier to keep the air clean.
If you sleep with pets, remember to change bedding weekly and keep on top of dusting, vacuuming, and other general cleanings.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these 6 allergens that can keep you awake.