The surprising way that having a cat or dog is affecting your health

CAT and dog owners struggle with their sleep, research suggests.

A study of 5,000 people for journal Human-Animal Interactions found snoring was common among dog owners.

GettyStruggling to sleep could be due to owning a cat or dog, research found[/caption]

Those with cats had a higher chance of leg cramps.

Other problems included struggling to nod off, needing pills, or waking mid-sleep.

Dr Lauren Wisnieski, in charge of the US study, said: “Dogs and cats may be beneficial for sleep quality as they provide social support.

“But pets may also disrupt sleep.”

More work was needed on the reasons for why the pets caused issues. Treatments can then be found, she added.

Over half of British households own a pet — mostly dogs or cats.

Three quarters of adults do not get the recommended seven hours’ kip.

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