Blog

Myths about sleep and sleep problems have been around for ages! Some people believe that these are just some silly bedtime stories. While some spent most of their lives believing that these myths are actually true.

Given that there are still so many mysteries that are still yet to uncover regarding sleep, it’s understandable why some people still do believe in these false tales. But now is the time to get the facts straight.

Here are 9 false myths about sleep that you should know:

1. Your brain is inactive during sleep

Contrary to what some people know, your brain is actually very active even when you’re fast asleep. The brain works at night to replenish, prepare, and restore itself. It has a lot of work to do just so you can have a great jump start the next day.

If you want to know more about what your brain and body does when you sleep, you can read it all here.

2. You can train yourself to sleep less

Some people argue that they get through the day just fine with only 4 hours of sleep at night. But let me tell you right now that it’s not a good idea. You may seem fine right now but sooner or later you’ll surely face short and long-term consequences that can greatly affect your health.

Both your body and your mind need sufficient sleep and that’s a fact that you can never change. No matter how much you train yourself to sleep less, your body and brain will eventually suffer.

Some of the short-term consequences you’ll face includes:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Confusion
• Failure to concentrate and remember

And that’s not all, getting fewer hours of sleep is often linked to having serious cases of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and even death.

3. You can catch up on sleep during the weekend

We’ve all been there. We’ve all slept in during weekends at some point but what you might not know is that it can actually be harmful to your health.

According to a research study published in the Science Translational Medicine, people who experience chronic sleep loss and tried to sleep in the following day experience a major setback regarding their actions and responses.

4. Watching TV helps you fall asleep faster

Did you know that electronic devices like TV’s and cellphones produces a blue-ish hue of light that can be harmful to your health?

This blue light confuses your brain to think that it’s still daytime. It also causes your body to stop producing the sleep hormone called melatonin, which in turn causes you to feel more awake.

5. Daytime naps are a waste of time

Having daytime naps is a great way to recharge your body in the midst of a very busy day. But if you find yourself craving sleep throughout the whole day, it can be a sign of something more serious.

Assess your sleeping health now and find out if you’re suffering from major sleep health problems like sleep apnea, insomnia or another sleep disorder by taking our free self-assessment questionnaire.

6. Teenagers are lazy and sleep too much

Your teenager is not lazy, it’s just puberty.

As your child ages, his/her body clock also changes which often results in having a delayed sleep phase disorder that requires 9-10 hours of sleep every day.

7. You need less sleep when you’re older

The idea of needing less amount of sleep as you age is definitely a myth. According to Professor Sean Drummond, older adults actually need just as much sleep as younger people. 

But as we age, our circadian rhythm also changes, which makes it harder for us to sleep at night or stay awake during the day.

8. Regular snoring is normal

Contrary to what most people believe, loud snoring is not normal. It can be an indication that your breathing is impaired. You might be suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) without even knowing it.

SDB is a dangerous condition that you shouldn’t take lightly. Severe SDB cases like obstructive sleep apnoea can be very dangerous for your health, especially when it is left untreated.

If you think that your snoring problem is getting out of hand, seek professional help now. Take our sleep self-assessment questionnaire and find out if you’re suffering from SDB today.

9. If you wake up in the middle of the night it’s best to stay in your bed until you fall asleep again

One of the most common sleep disorders that people face today is insomnia. If you’re finding it hard to sleep within 15-20 minutes, get up and get out of your bed. Don’t go back to bed until you feel sleepy.

If you’re suffering from insomnia, it’s best to keep a journal or a diary with you. Write down everything that makes you feel anxious or even depressed. One of the few quick fixes that can also help you is to sit up and read a book.

If you can’t figure out the reason for your sleeplessness it’s probably time to seek professional help. Sleep is an integral part of our lives and we shouldn’t be ashamed to ask our doctor for help. Book an in-home sleep study today and make your sleep health a priority.