In our fast-paced world, sleep myths are as prevalent as ever. This pace often leads to poor sleep habits based on myths. Here are six common sleep myths that could negatively affect your sleep health and wellbeing.
1. Catching up on lost sleep
Life’s demands often lead to burning the candle at both ends, causing many to believe they can catch -up on lost sleep. However, Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schafer of the Cleveland Clinic explains that sleep debt—the difference between needed and actual sleep—builds up over time, leading to irritability, slower reactions, impaired memory, and balance issues. The best way to avoid these effects (and , improveing your sleep and health) is to consistently get the right amount of quality sleep for your age.
2. Watching TV before bed will help you fall asleep
Have you been plagued by sleep problems?
Many believe that watching TV before bed will help them sleep. The truth is that the blue light from TVs and smart devices disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. This interferes with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
Improve your sleep quality and habits by:
- Limiting screen time before bed
- Using blue light filters on your devices
- Dim the lights as bedtime approaches
- And set up a pre-sleep routine.
3. Snoring means you’re getting a good sleep
Have you heard someone say that snoring is a sign of deep sleep?
Snoring can occur at any stage of sleep and is more influenced by your sleeping position. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), snoring accompanied by snorting, gasping, or brief interruptions in breathing are signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. If you experience these symptoms, consult a physician to figure out the cause.
4. You need less sleep as you get older
It’s a myth that you need less sleep as you age. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Ageing reduces the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, but not the need for sleep. All adults will benefit from between seven and nine hours of sleep daily, according to VeryWellHealth.com.
5. The more sleep you can get, the better
Sleep deprivation is harmful but too much sleep can also harm your health. Excessive sleep can negatively impact brain function and cognitive performance, i.e. your thinking. According to a study by the University of Ontario, people who sleep seven to eight hours nightly perform better cognitively. Sleeping more than this can be just as harmful as sleeping too little.
6. You can get by on just 4 hours of sleep
There’s a long list of famous people who claim to get less than six hours of sleep a night. In reality, we know that getting less than six hours of sleep can lead to irritability and other negative effects. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can affect your physical health and wellbeing. Our sleep advice is that you aim for a healthy, consistent sleep schedule to avoid these issues.
Putting to rest these six common myths can help you improve your sleep health today. Whether it’s understanding sleep debt, understanding how blue light affects sleep, or ways to sleep better, these small changes can improve your sleep quality.
Prioritize sleep and put into practice the tips we’ve shared and enjoy a revitalized sleep schedule.