Myths And Truths About Sleep
You know how important sleep is.
Both physical and mental health requires quality rest. It is the time when your body can repair itself, and you finally can feel rested after a long, tiring day.
Not only does sleep helps the body to heal and repair itself, but it also helps the brain to consolidate memories and to process information. A good night’s sleep can also improve mood, increase alertness, and reduce stress levels.
Your quality of sleep is important to your physical and mental wellbeing, and it should be a priority for anyone. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated.
However, there are so many misconceptions about sleep that it is hard to know what is true and what is not.
Here are some myths that we will bust so that we can catch up with the snooze!
Myth #1: You can make up for lost sleep on weekends.
Truth Is: Although an extra hour or two of sleep on the weekends can help make up for a late night during the week, it takes more than a couple of days to make up for a sleep deficit. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it can take up to two weeks to get back on track.
Myth #2: It does not matter if you go to bed a little later, as long as you get eight hours of sleep.
Truth Is: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who maintain regular sleep patterns sleep better and feel more alert during the day than those who do not.
Myth #3: Drinking alcohol before bed will help you sleep.
Truth Is: Although alcohol may make you feel drowsy, it actually decreases the quality of your sleep. Alcohol prevents you from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep, and you may wake up feeling groggy and unrested.
Myth #4: You do not need much sleep if you are in good health.
Truth Is: Although some people seem to function well on six or seven hours of sleep, most people need at least eight hours of sleep a night to function at their best. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who get less than seven hours of sleep a night are more likely to be involved in car accidents, have difficulty concentrating, and are at increased risk for health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Myth #5: You cannot get addicted to sleeping.
Truth Is: Although sleep is not a substance that you can abuse, some people do become addicted to the feeling of being well-rested. People with sleep addiction often have difficulty falling asleep, and they may feel irritable, anxious, or depressed when they do not get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep addiction is a real problem that can have a negative impact on your health, work, and personal relationships.
Myth #6: Sleeping more than eight hours a night is a waste of time.
Truth Is: Although most people need eight hours of sleep a night, there is no evidence that sleeping more than eight hours a night is a waste of time. In fact, some studies have shown that people who sleep more than eight hours a night have a lower risk of dying than those who sleep less than eight hours a night.
Myth #7: It is better to sacrifice sleep for a good workout.
Truth Is: Although exercise is important for your health, it is not more important than sleep. In fact, sleep is essential for your body to recover from exercise. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who exercise regularly sleep better than those who do not exercise.
Myth #8: It is not possible to sleep too much.
Truth Is: Although most people need eight hours of sleep a night, some people sleep more than eight hours a night. People who sleep more than eight hours a night may have a sleep disorder called hypersomnia. Hypersomnia is a condition that causes people to feel excessively sleepy during the day. People with hypersomnia may have difficulty staying awake, and they may feel drowsy even after a good night’s sleep.
Myth #9: You do not need to worry about sleep if you are young.
Truth Is: Although sleep is important for people of all ages, it is especially important for young people. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least nine hours of sleep a night, but most teenagers do not get enough sleep. Teens who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk for car accidents, obesity, and depression.
Myth #10: Snoring is not a serious problem.
Truth Is: Although snoring may seem like a harmless nuisance, it can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which patients cease breathing for short periods of time. Sleep apnea can cause people to wake up frequently during the night, and it can lead to daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
In Conclusion
Sleep is an important part of your overall health, and it is important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep.
There are many myths about sleep that can impact your quality of sleep. It is important to get eight hours of sleep a night, and it is best to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Drinking alcohol before bed can decrease the quality of your sleep, and you can become addicted to sleeping.
Sleeping more than eight hours a night is not a waste of time, and exercise does not take precedence over sleep.
There are a variety of ways to improve sleeping habits right now such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before night, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and developing a calm evening routine. If your sleep issues do not improve, your doctor may prescribe drugs or other treatments.
If you are having difficulties sleeping, here is an article that offers tips to sleep better. Click here to read on.
