Sleep Myths: 8 Common Misconceptions You Believe

In this article, we’ll discuss some common myths about sleep and present you with facts.

Overview

Sleep is an important aspect of one’s health. However, this is one aspect that is not as well-researched. There are many studies on the right diet for good health. People are aware of the right foods to eat to stay healthy. Few know the true significance of sleep in their lives.

Sleep Myths

There are many myths about sleep being circulated. Here we hope to do a reality check. We help you understand the truths about sleep. We also help you understand better how sleep contributes to better health.

Also Read: Risks Of Poor Sleep

1. Sleep Is Not That Important For Health

Most people take sleep for granted. They compromise on sleep hours to complete household responsibilities. People cut down on their sleep when they have to work overtime. People think it is ok to have a little sleep. They assume that sleep is not so important for health. This is a big myth that is causing several health issues.

Sleep is important for the brain. Every adult human being requires 5-9 hours of proper night’s sleep. The hours of sleep required may vary from one person to another. Children and old people may require more sleep than regular adults. Ack of sleep may result in a host of health issues that affect your body and mind.

2. Alcohol Helps You Sleep Better

Many people who consume alcohol believe that it helps them sleep better. This is a myth. While alcohol may calm your mind, it is not really good for healthy sleep. When you consume alcohol, you tend to wake up multiple times during your sleep. This kind of sleep is not healthy.

Your body required uninterrupted night sleep. This cannot be achieved when you have consumed alcohol. This is the reason you feel exhausted after a party night. Do not consider using alcohol to get better sleep at night.

3. We Can Catch Up On Lost Hours Of Sleep Later

This is one of the most common sleep myths floating around the internet. We assume that if we work extra hours during the week, we can cover up for sleep during the weekend. This is not true. You cannot cover up for a week’s lost sleep in two days by sleeping all the time. Instead, sleep deprivation will start impacting your performance.

If your body does not get the required amount of sleep, it shows reduced productivity. The mind is also affected by lowered sleep. It gets excessively stressed. This condition may also result in several other health problems.

4. There Is No Solution For Snoring In Sleep

There were times when you had to bear with a snoring partner. Things have changed now. There is a lot of research done on this front. Studies show that a few lifestyle changes can help you get rid of the habit of snoring in sleep. It has been observed that losing weight is one way to reduce your chances of snoring. If you quit smoking, the chances of snoring are greatly reduced.

Studies also reveal that women with greater physical activities have a lower chance of snoring. Even overweight women with greater physical activity have reduced chances of snoring. Singing also helps to reduce the chances of snoring as per some studies.

5. Insomnia Is Not A Serious Medical Condition

Regular inability to sleep is often ignored by people. It is referred to as insomnia in medical terms and it is a medical condition. This is a serious health condition that needs to be treated. Insomnia shows symptoms like inability to sleep soon, waking up several times during the night, and feeling exhausted when you wake up in the morning.

If left untreated, insomnia may reduce your performance at work. It could also result in a number of other health problems such as stress, depression, and even mental health problems. Don’t take this medical condition lightly. Approach your doctor if you encounter any of the symptoms. Timely treatment and good sleep habits can improve your health as well as performance.

6. Remembering Your Dreams Is A Sign Of Good Sleep

Just remember that instance when you dreamt something in deep sleep. The next morning, if you remember that dream, it shows your sleep was broken. If you didn’t wake up after the dream, your chances of remembering it are very few. Only in rare cases where the dream impacted you emotionally is that possible.

Most people who remember even insignificant dreams the next day are light sleepers. These are people who have very active brains that process information even during sleep. These people do not get proper deep sleep during the night.

7. More Sleep Is Always Better

While lack of sleep is bad, so is excess sleep. If you think you will sleep more to stay healthier, that may not work. The regular grown-up adult requires 5-9 hours of sleep during the night. People who sleep more tend to become lethargic. It also affects their mental performance. The body needs a certain amount of activity to stay fit. Make sure you give it the needed exercise too apart from good food and sleep.

8. Body Clock Can Be Adjusted To Less Sleep

There are workaholics who sleep fewer hours and the body gets accustomed to it. This is not a healthy sign. There are going to be adverse implications on the person’s health later. Make sure your body gets the needed amount of sleep.

If you are having a problem sleeping on time, consult a doctor.

Also Read: Tips To Fix Your Sleep Cycle

Extra Information

The human body is designed to stay alert during the day and asleep during the night. This is the reason why the body clock is adjusted to darkness for sleeping. Maintaining good sleep hygiene could contribute to better sleep. Here are some tips:

• Make sure there is complete darkness in the room when you sleep
• Shut out the noises so that your sleep is not disturbed
• Meditate prior to sleeping to improve sleeping
• Avoid coffee 1-2 hours prior to sleeping

Maintaining good sleep hygiene contributes to deep sleep in the night. You need to be aware of the different health problems that may arise due to a lack of sleep. Here is a concise list of prominent health issues:

• Insomnia (inability to sleep properly)
• Depression and anxiety (mental health issues)
• Epilepsy (neurological health issue)
• Narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness disorder)

Improve your sleep habits today for a better tomorrow.