Pets in Bed Means Bad News for Your Spine?

Dogs and cats are cuddly companions. There are few things more comforting than saddling up next to your furry friend after a long day. Sleeping with your pets in bed, however, is rarely a good idea.

If you choose to share your mattress with pets, you may be opening yourself up to a wide range of health problems, starting with your spine. Sleep posture is something to concern yourself with.

When Virginia Beach, VA patients come to ChiroSolutions Center with complaints of poor sleep, back and neck pain, and general stiffness, one of the first questions we ask is “do you let your pets sleep in bed with you?” Much of the time, the answer is yes.

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Why are my pets the problem?

Dogs and cats possess a tendency to curl up and spread out, taking up as much space in your bed as they see fit.

As you move throughout the night to accommodate their new position, you may actually be inadvertently causing yourself back and neck pain through poor sleep posture.

Sleeping with twisted legs, or sleeping with your arms moved around to accommodate your curled-up pet, could cause you to bend your spine while you sleep.

Over time, a lack of proper sleep posture will cause serious pain and discomfort.

Your pet’s constant movements could also be contributing to poor sleep, which could eat into your alertness and comfort throughout the day.

Start looking for ways to improve your sleep

The easiest solution to getting a good night’s sleep is to evict your pets from the bed. You might feel bad kicking them off, but it’s for your own good!

Instead, get them their own pet bed and reward them for using it.

With positive reinforcement and some time, they’ll naturally sleep there on their own.

This’ll let you get back to dreamland without contorting yourself around your furry friend.

Still, having trouble getting restful sleep?

Feeling sore and stiff in the mornings?

Here are a few more ways to boost your quality of sleep and get a good night’s rest:

• Control light exposure: Exposure to bright, blue lights in the evening can throw your body’s sleep schedule off. Avoid using your computer, television, or smartphone for one to two hours before you go to bed.
• Consider noise therapy: White noise machines are a valuable tool for many people who experience trouble getting to sleep. They’re especially valuable if you live in a noisy area, like near an expressway or rail track.
• Invest in air filtration: This is especially important if you sleep with a dog or cat in your bedroom. You should have an air filter running to help you minimize exposure to allergens that can cause discomfort and keep you awake.
• Get more daily exercise: One of the most significant things you can do to improve your sleep is also great for your health overall: Get more daily exercise. Exercising roughly three hours before bedtime is a great solution for better rest.

A good first start is kicking your pet off the bed. Then, follow up with a combination of these better sleeping tips. And, after all that, don’t forget to make an appointment with your best chiropractor in Virginia Beach!

ChiroSolutions helps Virginia Beach, VA patients get their sleep habits back on track after they’ve been disrupted by pets.

Let us develop a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) adjustment schedule for you, outlining the right adjustments and habits for promoting total spinal wellness.

Stop in for a free consultation today!

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

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