Two out of three pet owners share their bed with their dog or cat. But is it truly beneficial? As veterinary and sleep experts highlight, there are clear advantages for restful nights alongside potential health drawbacks, especially for your eyes.
Studies on pet owners who co-sleep with their animals show positive results: both people and pets enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. This stems from the sense of security your pet provides, along with soothing sounds like a cat's purr or a dog's gentle breathing, which help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer.
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However, close contact during sleep can introduce risks to your eye health. Even without allergies, you might wake with red, itchy eyes due to Demodex mites—tiny parasites common around pets' eyes. These mites transfer easily to humans, thriving in darkness and moist environments like bedding. They migrate to your eyelashes at night, where they're tough to eliminate.
Short-term effects include itching and swelling, but prolonged exposure may cause lasting damage like blurred vision or chronic dry eyes. Research indicates up to 80% of pet owners carry these mites on their lashes. If your pet sleeps in your bed, consult an ophthalmologist for a check-up.
Source: hln.be
