How service dogs can help with sleep safety



Dogs can help with a number of sleep disorders

Dogs can help with a number of sleep disorders

Slumber Yard has shared how service dogs can help with sleep disorders. Team member, Mary Van Keuren, writes that even before the pandemic arrived and upended life across the globe, sleep disorders were on the rise in the U.S. COVID-19 didn’t help. In fact, researchers have coined the term “coronasomnia” to indicate the myriad sleep problems brought about by anxiety, depression, and stress over the challenges individuals face while COVID remains in our midst.

These challenges have been exacerbated by several factors such as lack of access to sleep therapy, loneliness, depression, PTSD, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and more. Many people turn to services animals for support, usually dogs.

The Human-Dog Bond
 
Experts state humans have bonded with dogs from 20,000-40,000 years. They served as hunters, guards, shepherds, and companions. There are approximately 500,000 are service dogs in the U.S. helping those with a variety of medical conditions. The Americans with Disabilities Act says, “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Service dogs help with many kinds of disabilities, and therefore, are often trained to meet the needs of a specific individual.

The American Service Dog Access Coalition is an industry group that works with the military and canine training institutions to provide access to properly trained service animals. Note that emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs, and they are not given the same protections by the ADA as service dogs, including the right to enter public facilities. 


Sleep Safety With Service Dogs

Those with PTSD, for example, may experience recurring dreams or nightmares that include aspects of past traumatic events, difficulty in falling asleep, and fragmented REM sleep. A trained service dog can remain alert to the signs of disturbed or fragmented sleep, such as tossing and turning or vocalizing and can then wake its owner and provide comfort and a sense of safety.

Sleep apnea is another condition that can merit the care of a service dog. This serious illness increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, diabetes, and more.

Sleep Disorders Service Dogs Can Assist With

Here are a few of the symptoms and illnesses a dog can help with:
  • Nightmares
  • Narcolepsy
  • Parasomnias
  • Sleepwalking 
As experts have suggested, many service dog owners sleep with their dogs either in their bed or in a pet bed next to theirs so that they can assist with nighttime challenges. Having your service dog in bed with you has many positives. If they are large, however, they may also take up a lot of your mattress’s real estate, making it difficult to get comfortable and sleep soundly. A pet bed can be another good choice. Also, be sure to keep your bedroom floor free of obstacles, be sure any plants are not harmful to dogs, and medications should be kept out of reach.

In conclusion, service dogs have proven effective in enabling people with formerly crippling disabilities to lead lives of normalcy. For those whose illnesses manifest during nighttime hours, service dogs are particularly helpful, soothing owners in the throes of a night terror, bringing medicines and other items, and alerting caregivers if their owner has a seizure. In effect, for a person with a disability, a service dog can be their best friend, with whom they have a strong and lasting bond.

Read the entire article here.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »