Emotional Support Dogs For Sleep Disorders - Do They Help?

Good sleep is important. Medical experts say that when you sleep, the blood pressure goes down, thus relaxing the blood vessels. Lack of sleep can lead to various health issues. In fact, being sleep-deprived can have an impact on ghrelin—the hunger hormone.

For managing sleep disorders, there’s a wide range of sleep pills available. But, they are associated with unpleasant side-effects. Medical studies show that dogs can play an important role in boosting sleep. Read on to learn how pet therapy works for sleep disorders and registering your dog as an emotional support dog.

Emotional Support Dog For Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by one’s inability to fall/stay asleep. It can be either acute or chronic. There can be various causes of insomnia, such as stressful life events and concerns about money, family, etc.

Living with dogs helps improve relaxation and mental peace, thus allowing you to sleep soundly.

Additionally, an emotional support dog reduces levels of stress—one of the major contributors to sleep problems.

Emotional Support Dog For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a debilitating condition in which breathing stops during sleep. And, periods when breathing pauses are known as apnea. Symptoms of OSA include daytime sleepiness, morning headache, loud snoring, and lack of focus during the day.

Living with an emotional support dog can help manage OSA triggers effectively. For instance, pet therapy can reduce risks of high blood pressure and heart attack, which are associated with OSA.

Additionally, a dog at home can help you structure your life and increase physical activity levels. Thus, you can easily control your body weight. More than half of the OSA patients are obese or overweight.

Emotional Support Dog For Nightmares

Nightmares are frightening dreams that are linked to negative feelings, such as anxiety.

Your emotional support dog brings comfort to the bed, thus helping you sleep soundly. Some studies have found that the support animals are helpful in reducing nightmares, and even managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a medical condition that is triggered by a terrifying event.

Pet therapy is beneficial in managing anxiety and stress. Emotional support animals can improve your mood and energy levels.

How to Register a Dog as an Emotional Support Dog?

If you are receiving therapeutic benefits from your dog for managing you're medical condition, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, etc, you can register it is an emotional support dog. By doing so, you can legally live with your ESA in a rented apartment without paying extra pet deposits under the Fair Housing Act.

We at My ESA Doctor can help you get an ESA letter in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-

• Fill a simple form online
• Talk to a therapist via video call
• Get your ESA letter via email

To wrap it up, having an emotional support dog co-sleeping by your side provides you warmth, security, and calms your mind, thus helping you sleep soundly. Studies show that pet therapy can help in managing sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Talk to a therapist to get an ESA letter today.