A List Of Ten Misconceptions And Myths About Sleep Debunked And Disproved

By Author: Marcella Jaylon
Total Articles: 73
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However we have all experienced those nights, where we just can't get comfortable and glance over at the clock every 5 minutes worrying about how much sleep we are going to get.

Here are ten sleep myths, which are widely believed. Accompanied with tips and ideas on ensuring 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 the average person does sleep for around 7 or 8 hours, 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 stick to a balanced sleep pattern, sleep on average the same each night and not sleeping more than an extra two hours at the weekend.

3.The older you are the less sleep you need. However when you're older it may become more difficult to sleep, you may be woken up easier by the slightest noise and your sleep ...
... pattern fragmented.

4.Waking up during the night means you'll be tired all day. Just 90 minutes less than usual will make you noticeably more tired during the day, and your reaction time and ability to fight of diseases will be impaired. If this is consistent your sleep debt will build up making you feel excessively tired.

5.Naps are a waste of time. A full nights sleep cannot be replaced however a power nap can restore you and make you feel more alert to a certain extent. Although a nap after 3pm can affects your sleep pattern that evening.

6.A good workout in the evening will make you tired so you'll fall asleep faster. Exercise is better earlier in the day as it elevates temperature 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. It is always best to get a routine before going to sleep, your body recognises that you are preparing yourself for sleep and gets your body ready. This way you will fall asleep a lot quicker.

8.Eating before bedtime will cause nightmares It has not yet been proven that certain foods do 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 are often believed to be the same thing when in fact this most serious of the two, Sleep Apnea will cause the sleeper to stop breathing completely numerous times in one night. To help with the condition, CPAP machines are advised to help keep 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 prevents your body from relaxing and keeps your body alert. It is also recommended that you keep your bedroom primarily for sleeping.

Ensuring you get a good nights sleep will have a positive impact on your body, mind and general health. If you still can't seem to drift off with ease, dont panic and visit your GP for more advice.