No More Myths

By Author: Steven Johnson
Total Articles: 494
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One of the main problems with freedom of expression is everyone is allowed to say whatever they like even if it makes no sense. Indeed, sometimes it's the things that make no sense that get the most attention. Like Palin's claim all seniors would be sent off to death camps rather than be allowed to thrive on Medicare. One minute the story is all headlines. But with the healthcare bill now law, no one mentions it anymore. Go figure! Anyway people seem to be able to deceive themselves without any help from talking heads (whether they are ex-governors or talkshow hosts). There are no shortage of lies and myths about sleep and, wouldn't you know, many of them become self-fulfilling prophesies. So let's get started on the myths we should all throw out if we are to get a good night's sleep.

1. This is the voice of despair — I am getting less sleep and nothing seems to help. The majority of people doze on and off during the night and have no accurate recollection of how much or little sleep they are getting. If you give in to anxiety, you are more likely to sleep less. As to treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy has ...
... long been recognized as highly effective. Unfortunately, it is not often covered by health plans and therefore the more expensive short-term option. But if you work out the cost of buying sleeping pills for years to come, it makes the cost of CBT look attractive.

2. Insomnia makes me ill. This is one of those unfortunate half-truths. It's true that lack of sleep weakens the immune system so you may be more likely to catch whatever flu bug is going around. But who is say whether a person with a full night's sleep would have caught the same bug? More importantly, the insomnia can be a symptom of other health problems so be careful when separating cause from effect.

3. I feel better when I take sleeping pills. This means the marketing message of the drug manufacturers has won the battle for your mind. Firstly, the pills simply knock you out and unconsciousness is not the same a a good night of natural sleep. You do not get the same quality of rest. Secondly, there are some adverse side effects from the use of pills and these do not make you feel better. Learning to sleep without relying on pills is better for your health.

4. I just can't relax. People use all kinds of descriptions for their racing minds, but the reality is simple. If you learn the right meditation and relaxation techniques, everyone can slow their minds, destress and get to sleep.

5. If I don't get eight hours sleep, I die in the morning. People's sleep patterns change as they age and there is no right and wrong length of time for sleep. You should calmly accept what you body wants. There is no sense in trying to force yourself to sleep. Building up anxiety and stress will only lead to feeling bad in the mornings.

The problem with all good myths is it can be hard to shake them off. If CBT really is too expensive for you and you find lack of sleep is disrupting your life, buy ambien or the slow-release version, ambien cr. Used over short periods of time, it will allow you to recharge your sleep batteries and recover your quality of life.