We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, and most of us know very little about how sleep affects our bodies. Here are five of the most commonly repeated myths related to sleep.
Myth #1 You can make up for lost sleep.
Fact: If you think staying in bed on the weekends is going to make up for a week worth of sleep, think again. A new study shows that going long periods without sleep can result in a kind of “sleep debt” that can’t be simply undone. In fact, too much snoozing can disrupt your circadian rhythm. So you should try to provide your body with a consistent number of hours of sleep each night.
Myth #2 A good work out at night will make it easier to fall asleep.
Fact: Exercising regularly helps your body to fall sleep, but only if it is done at least 3 hours prior to bedtime. A work out elevates your body’s temperature which makes falling asleep difficult.
Myth #3 My brain needs sleep to rest.
Fact: During sleep, the rest of your body rests while your brain constantly controls all of your body’s functions, repairs cells and memorizes new information.
Myth #4 Everyone needs about 8 hours of sleep.
Fact: The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person and depends on other factors, such as the individual’s lifestyle. The better the quality of sleep, the less time it takes for our bodies to renew itself. Stress, poor diet, heavy alcohol consumption and inadequate sleeping conditions make it harder for us to part with the pillow and make us feel tired even after many hours of rest.
Myth#5 People are divided into “night owls” and “early birds”
Fact: It is commonly believed that whether we like to get out of bed early in the morning or become more energetic during the night, genetics are to blame. The truth is that it all depends on your lifestyle and habits acquired over many years. This means that with a little will power the “night owls” can become “early birds.”
-- Important: The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.