Their owners are in large sleep debt.
We love them, and this shows since 61% of French people have a pet according to the figures of the federation of food manufacturers for dogs, cats, birds and other familiar animals (FACCO). It even seems that the cat has become the best friend of man since 39% of French people, or 26 million, chose him as faithful companion. Dogs are not outdone since they are always preferred by 30% of animal owners. Walks, moments of games and caresses, they accompany us everywhere, even in the room for those who allow it.
However, it would seem that sleeping with his pet is not a very good idea. In any case, this is what a Swedish study that analyzed the impact of pet possession on quality and duration of sleep suggests. The researchers asked 30,000 men and women between 50 and 65 years old, several questions which addressed the possession or not of a pet, their duration and their quality of sleep, including potential sleeping problems or sleep disorders.
So cat, dog, rabbit, what is the most harmful for sleep? “We noted a significant association between possession of a cat and not reaching the 7 hours of sleep per night recommended for adults”said scientists in their study published in the journal “Scientific Reports”. One out of 10 cat owner reported asleep and almost half of the cat owners have complained about being asleep overnight. This sleep disturbance could be linked to the night behavior of the cat, since it is a so -called “twilight” animal. Clearly, it is by nature more active in the early hours of the morning and evening. Having it with you in the room at these time slots would therefore be a bad idea.
Researchers nuance their results by recalling that it is an observational study, based on self -depressed data. Additional studies are necessary to better understand the mechanisms of human sleep in the company of animals. We must also keep in mind that pets can also help sleep better in certain circumstances, “For example in people with anxiety, depression, loneliness and mourning”conclude the experts.
