We all understand that getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our health and wellbeing, but what do we really know about sleep? In reality, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding sleep. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most common sleep myths, so read on to learn the truth.
Myth 1: During sleep, the brain shuts down and is inactive
Sleep actually keeps the brain very busy. It sorts and processes the information on what happened that day, among other things. It then solidifies these memories in your long-term memory. This is essential to memory and learning.
Myth 2: If you train yourself, you can get by on less sleep
Sleep needs vary from person to person. Most adults need about 8 hours of sleep a night. Some people need more, some less. Our own experience tells us how important it is to feel good the next day. A lack of sleep results in sleep debt. Eventually, this will have to be repaid. You might not notice that you miss an hour or two every now and then, but it’s not good to make a habit of it.
If you do that, you’ll be unable to think and react as quickly as before. Even if you don’t feel sleepy, your brain will not be functioning at its optimal level.
Myth 3: Sleeping in on the weekend prevents the effects of sleep loss during the following week
When you’ve not slept enough and need to pay back a sleep debt, sleeping in will help. However, you can’t bank sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your mind will be affected. Without catching up on the sleep that you missed, things won’t get better. A regular sleep schedule can help you build a good sleep-wake pattern that keeps you at the top of your game.
Myth 4: Spending more time in bed will improve daytime sleepiness
It’s important to get the right amount, timing, and quality of sleep. The quality of your sleep can be affected by a variety of sleep problems, which can make you sleepy during the day. Even if you don’t observe any problems at night, this may still be the case. A common example of this is obstructive sleep apnea. To feel tired during the day after sleeping for a long time at night is not normal. It is important that you see a doctor if you do.
Myth 5: Daytime naps don’t help and waste time
If adults have slept well the night before, they usually don’t need naps during the day. But if they hadn’t slept well the night before, naps can be useful. It is best not to take a nap later than midday if you must take one. You will then be able to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, naps that last too long (more than an hour) can leave you feeling groggy when you wake up. This phenomenon is known as sleep inertia. In young children, napping is normal.
Myth 6: The brain adjusts quickly to changes in your sleep schedule
Each of us has an internal body clock. We set this clock based on when we get (and do not get) sunlight. This keeps us alert during the day. The time between midnight and dawn is when we are most tired. We may need to change the times we go to bed and get up from time to time.
The reason for this could be shifting work or changing time zones (jet lag). Some people are better at handling this than others. However, we all need time to adjust to these changes. Our sleep quality will suffer until we adjust, and we could have difficulty functioning during the day.
Myth 7: As we age, we need less sleep
As children grow, the amount of sleep they need decreases. Once they become young adults, their sleep requirements do not change. For the rest of their lives, their sleep needs will stay the same. Sleep efficiency may decline as we grow older. Body aches and pains may contribute to this. We might have to spend a bit more time in bed because of this. But apart from that, sleep needs remain stable during adulthood.
Myth 8: Children who don’t get enough sleep will always feel sleepy during the day
When a child doesn’t get enough sleep, it can lead to many other problems aside from just sleepiness. They may be having difficulty concentrating but are not tired. They may behave badly, be moody and get in trouble at school in some cases.
Myth 9: Regular snoring is perfectly normal
It is common to snore from time to time, but loud snoring most nights is not normal and should be investigated. In both children and adults, it means that something is interfering with their ability to breathe. The condition is known as obstructive sleep apnoea and needs medical investigation by a sleep specialist.
Myth 10: If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, stress is usually to blame
Stress can certainly make sleeping difficult. However, there are many other causes. Some of these include sleep disorders, medical conditions, and psychological conditions. Poor sleep habits are often the culprit. These can and should be addressed.
