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Addressing 9 Myths and Facts About Sleep For Better Insight
A thread
http://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/05/06/trouble-sleeping-why-not-ask-your-grannies-mindfulness/
A thread
http://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/05/06/trouble-sleeping-why-not-ask-your-grannies-mindfulness/
Sleep is just as essential to our health and well-being as the basic need for air, food, and water. Sleep gives our body time to heal from injuries, repair damaged cells, tissues and muscles and restore our energy reserves.
It gives us the necessary capability to handle daily challenges and navigate relationships with compassion, patience and calm.
In order to get the most benefits from sleep in today's post I will be debunking some of the myths about sleep.
In order to get the most benefits from sleep in today's post I will be debunking some of the myths about sleep.
9 Myths and Facts About Sleep
It doesn't matter what time you go to sleep.
This is not true. Yes our bodies vary and might require different things. However, the sleep-wake cycle follows a circadian cycle that aligns with the sun. Therefore as light reduces the body naturally becomes tired as it produces melatonin.
This serves to signal the brain for sleep. As such sleeping during night hours is more beneficial than daytime sleeping. This fact means that night-shift workers who typically get less sleep are more at risk for sleep deprivation related issues.
Check out: Sleep: The Science, Stages and Its Importance To A Quality Life ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/04/29/sleep-the-science-stages-and-its-importance-to-a-quality-life/)
You can catch up on sleep with naps or sleeping in on weekends
Despite popular belief, you cannot catch up on sleep. Naps, 30 mins or less, can provide a boost of energy but they in no way make up for sleep deprivation.
Furthermore, napping especially late in the afternoon disrupts your natural sleep pattern making it harder to fall asleep at night. Getting the right amount of sleep each night is necessary.
Your body gets use to less sleep
Sadly, your body does not adjust to less sleep. There is a very minor percentage of people, about 1 in a million, that possess the 'short sleep gene ( https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/10/415671/short-sleep-gene-prevents-memory-deficits-associated-sleep-deprivation)'. This means they can operate optimally with less than 7 hours of sleep.
For the rest of us, the body requires 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health and performance.
Snoring is normal and cannot be corrected
Wrong again. Loud or chronic snoring can be an indicator a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is breathing disorder that disturbs sleep and hinders oxygen intake. There are various devices and exercises available to help with this condition.
My suggestion would be to see a sleep doctor for guidance on diagnosis and remedies.
The ability to fall asleep at anything or place is a sign of a good sleeper
Nope, this actually indicates that you potentially have a sleep problem such as insomnia or sleep apnea. These problems can take the form of excessive daytime sleeping which can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
Sleep duration is all that matters
Getting enough sleep is essential. However, if that sleep is disruptive and uncomfortable you will miss the restorative benefits of sleep. Therefore, getting quality sleep is just as crucial as obtaining enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep is essential. However, if that sleep is disruptive and uncomfortable you will miss the restorative benefits of sleep. Therefore, getting quality sleep is just as crucial as obtaining enough sleep.
If you can't sleep stay in bed until you do
Staying in bed when you can not fall asleep can be counterintuitive. It can lead to anxiety at the thought of going to bed because you begin to associate the bed with trouble sleeping.
This will only lead to more stress and anxiety the next time you go to bed or cannot fall asleep. If after 20 mins of going to bed, you are wide awake get up and do something relaxing. Try listening to gentle music, reading, a light stretch or yoga session or meditation.
Remember not to turn on any harsh lights or devices.
Exercising at night or late evening disturbs sleep
For some doing high intensity exercises at night can serve to energies the body and make it hard to relax and sleep. However, research ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30374942/ ) shows that exercising at night can actually help you sleep better.
Maybe try low impact exercises, walking, biking or yoga and see how it works for you.
Hitting snooze provides extra rest
Snoozing like snoring disrupts your sleep preventing your body from getting the restorative sleep it needs. Sleep disturbances leave your tired, groggy and affect your mental state during the day.
Therefore, set your alarm for the exact time you need to be awake for and break the snooze habit.
Related Posts
- Nine Tips To Help You Sleep Better Tonight ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/04/23/nine-tips-to-help-you-sleep-better-tonight/)
- The Importance of a Night Time Routine For Adults ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/04/08/the-importance-of-a-night-time-routine-for-adults/)
PS: I hope you enjoyed this sleep series.
- Nine Tips To Help You Sleep Better Tonight ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/04/23/nine-tips-to-help-you-sleep-better-tonight/)
- The Importance of a Night Time Routine For Adults ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/04/08/the-importance-of-a-night-time-routine-for-adults/)
PS: I hope you enjoyed this sleep series.
Are there any other topics that you would like me to create a blog series around.
PPS: For the month of May, posts will be focused around mental health. If you have any topics you want covered leave it in the comments or contact me ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/contact-me/ ).
PPS: For the month of May, posts will be focused around mental health. If you have any topics you want covered leave it in the comments or contact me ( https://loveinspirelearn.com/contact-me/ ).
This thread can be read here: http://loveinspirelearn.com/2021/05/06/trouble-sleeping-why-not-ask-your-grannies-mindfulness/
