If you're a pet owner and a self-proclaimed insomniac, you may want to sit down for this one. A recent study from Lincoln Memorial University suggests that pet ownership may be to blame for your restless nights. Yes, you heard that right. Your furry little friend may actually be causing you more harm than good when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.
According to the study, dog owners have a higher chance of developing sleep disorders and trouble sleeping, while cat owners are more likely to experience leg jerks. Although the research team wasn't able to establish a causal relationship between pet ownership and poor sleep, their findings are consistent with earlier studies that had similar conclusions.
But wait, isn't having a pet supposed to be good for your mental health? After all, they provide emotional support and companionship. While this may be true, pets can also disrupt their owners' sleep patterns, which may ultimately lead to other health issues.
So, what's a pet owner to do? The study suggests restricting your pet's access to your bedroom at night or crating them altogether. But let's be honest, who wants to kick their furry friend out of bed? Not to mention the guilt you'd feel when those big puppy dog eyes look up at you.
Perhaps a compromise is in order. Consider investing in a comfortable pet bed for your furry friend to sleep in next to your bed, rather than on top of it. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of their companionship without sacrificing your sleep quality.
And who knows, maybe with a little training, your pet will learn to respect your sleep boundaries and allow you to get the restful night's sleep you deserve. After all, a well-rested pet owner is a happy pet owner.