Doctor warns common sleeping sleeping habit can cause parasitic eye infections

A doctor has revealed the common sleeping habit that could risk some serious health issues...

Getting a good night's sleep is key to a healthy lifestyle, and how many times have we pushed that night out a little too far, waking up blurry-eyed and barely there the next day? We all have our little hacks for catching the Zs, and whether it be lavender pillow mist, listening to sleep tapes, or the military sleep method, a good routine is of upmost importance. For some of us, letting your dog sleep in the bed with you is just a normal part of going to bed.

While many hate the idea of dogs in the bedroom, let alone on the bed, there's an important reason you should probably stop letting your dog sleep on the bed with you. According to doctors, letting them do so could lead to a parasitic eye infection.

Yes, we know dogs are cute, but how many times have we caught them licking themselves or eating something gross off the floor?

Posting on TikTok, eye doctor Dr Dan Friederich has given his own handy tips on how to look after your eyes. Friederich warns that he finds parasites in people's eyes 'more often than you might think' and put our pets in the firing line.

Explaining why dogs should be given the boot from the boudoir, Friederich warned: "How often do I see parasites in people’s eyes? More often than you might think. And it’s mainly because people sleep with their pets in the bed."

The dangerous parasite is a common mite called Demodex that tends to lurk in the eyelashes. Friederich continued: "The minute I see it in someone’s eyes, the first question I ask is, 'Do you sleep with your dog at night?'" Dogs are a 'really common' cause of the parasite, with Friederich concluding" "Don't sleep with your animals if you can help it."

Someone in the comments wrote: "Buuuuut...studies have also found that sleeping with a pet reduces anxiety. 🤷‍♀️"

Another joked: "Eh, I'll take the mites it it means my dog can cuddle 😂."

A third said: "I'll take the risk."

It's clear that Friederich's words aren't being listened to, but like those who don't listen to the advice about not sleeping with your phone next to you, you can't say we didn't warn you.

In the comments, Friederich explained about the dangers of Demodex, "They can cause eye irritation, blurred vision and sometimes loss of lashes. They’re easily treated with Cliradex when people actually have [an] infestation."

Although Friederich doesn't put the same blame on cats and other pets (although we're not sure you'd have your hamster in the bed), the fact that cats carry the likes of roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms means you probably shouldn't let your tabby share the bed either.

Still, the comments show how many of you are willing to take the risk of deadly eye parasites and worse if it means getting a restful night's sleep with your furry friend by your side.