A List Of The Top Ten Myths About Sleeping Explained And Disproved

However we all have those nights, when we toss and turn and look at the clock every 5 minutes worrying about the sleep we are missing out on.


Below are a list of ten sleep myths, which are commonly believed to be true. Accompanied with the best ways to make sure you get a good nights sleep.


1.Every Adult needs around 7 and 8 hours of sleep per night This is not entirely true although being advisable and the average, Find out the hours that suit you best and stick to that instead of chasing the average.



2.We should try to make up for all our lost sleep on subsequent nights
Sleep experts don't advise this as your sleep pattern will become disrupted and although come Monday morning you will feel refreshed, you will slump mid-afternoon. Instead try to sleep around the same at weekends, or no more than an extra two hours sleep.


3.The older you are the less sleep you need. As you get older however, it may become more difficult to sleep, it becomes lighter and fragmented, it is also easier to be awaken.



4.Waking up during the night means you'll be tired all day. Just 90 minutes less sleep than usual will make you noticeably more sleepy during the day, it will also hinder your ability to make decisions and react quickly, as well as fighting off infections. A sleep debt will build up if your interrupted sleep is consistent, making you feel excessively tired.


5.Naps are a waste of time. Nothing can replace a full nights sleep however a quick power nap can restore your alertness and ability to complete tasks quicker. Napping after 3pm can affect your sleeping pattern later that even. Exercise is better in the day or at least 4 hours before you sleep as it elevates temperature which will stay high for hours hindering a persons sleep pattern. Some people do find it does help as they feel more tired so it is easier to fall asleep, so find out what's best for you.


7.It's good to hang out in your bedroom at night, before you go to sleep, because it will get you "ready" to fall asleep. Its all part of getting into a routine before going to bed, your body recognises that you are preparing yourself for sleep and gets your body ready. This way it will be easier for you to drift off.



8.Eating before bedtime will cause nightmares There is no medical evidence to proved that certain foods cause nightmares. However eating before bed will cause discomfort and will restrict digestion, therefore resulting in a interrupted and irregular sleep.


9.Snoring is the same as Sleep Apnea Snoring and Sleep Apnea often get confused with each other when in fact this most serious of the two, Sleep Apnea can cause the sleeper to stop breathing several times a night. Medical experts advise that sufferers use a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) sleep apnea mask as it keeps airways open as you sleep.



10.Watching TV in my bedroom and working on my laptop in bed helps me wind down and fall asleep. Any type of activity which requires you to concentrate, is counter-productive when trying to sleep. It doesn't allow you to unwind and can keep your body alert. It is also recommended that you keep your bedroom primarily for sleeping.


Making sure you get a good nights sleep will have a positive effect on your body, mind and general health. If your sleep deprivation gets worse, dont panic and visit your GP for more advice.