8 Common Sleep Myths Debunked!
Sleeplessness, sleep deprivation, and sleep disorders can be very upsetting and can cause the quality of your life to decline. There is a lot of misinformation about sleeping problems out there – which means that many people who are suffering from sleep disorders and conditions go untreated or are treated ineffectively. We discuss sleep disorders and problems in greater detail in our article What Causes Sleep Problems?.
In this article, we will debunk the myths that are associated with sleep and sleeping disorders so that you can better understand your particular sleep issues.
Common Sleep Myth #1
If I can’t sleep, I can just pick up an over-the-counter remedy rather than see my doctor. Besides, over-the-counter remedies are safer and less addictive than prescription sleeping aids.
Fact: Inability to sleep on a regular schedule or to sleep an adequate amount of hours each night may be a signal that you have an underlying medical problem or condition, especially if your bouts of sleeplessness last for an extended period of time. While over-the-counter sleep (OTC) remedies may be “just what the doctor ordered” – get the order from your doctor before medicating yourself. Many of the OTC sleep aids on the market contain additional medications that you might not need; for example, pain relievers combined with sleep inducers. Seek the advice of a healthcare professional before you decide to begin a regimen of OTC sleep aids.
Common Sleep Myth #2
My insomnia or sleeping problem is not considered a medical condition; it’s not serious and doesn’t have any consequences.
Fact: Insomnia and other sleeping problems (like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and others) can be quite serious. Sleep disorders are classified as medical conditions. The consequences of unresolved sleep issues can be great; sleep problems can lead to decreased performance in work or school, depression, mood changes, and increases the risk that you will be involved in a motor vehicle accident, just to name a few.
Common Sleep Myth #3
Men and women are affected in the same ways by insomnia.
Fact: Insomnia is much more common in women than in men, and women are also much more likely than their male counterparts to report their sleep problems to their doctors. A woman’s sleep can be affected by her menstrual cycle, biological stage in life, level of stress, and other factors.
Common Sleep Myth #4
Exercising right before bedtime will make me tired – so I’ll sleep better.
Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. Exercising right before bed will have the opposite effect – it will wake you up and give you a greater level of energy. Exercise can, however, contribute to better sleep when it is undertaken in the morning or afternoon hours. Avoid exercise for three hours before you turn in at night.
Common Sleep Myth #5
Watching TV or working on my laptop computer in bed helps me to become sleepy and fall asleep.
Fact: Watching television or using your computer close to bedtime can actually make you stay awake longer. Both of these activities can be stimulating or even agitating. Use your bedroom only for sleeping or for sex – leave the television and computer in another room.
Common Sleep Myth #6
Sleep is not that important. I get by on just a few hours all the time; when my body is ready, it will do its job and I’ll fall asleep naturally.
Fact: Sleep is very important to your overall health and well-being. But yes, you’re right – when your body is ready for sleep – you will fall asleep – but where will you be? At your desk, working? In the car, driving through heavy traffic? Sleep not only regulates your mood but is also tied intricately to memory and learning abilities. Getting enough sleep allows you to stay on task, be productive, and keep your health in optimal shape. Most people (adults) need from seven to nine hours of sleep each and every night.
Common Sleep Myth #7
I can drink a glass of wine or have some alcohol with my sleep aid to get to sleep even faster.
Fact: Drinking alcohol in combination with sleep medication is not recommended. Sleep medications should typically never be taken on top of alcohol or even other medications. In addition, many sleep medications, especially OTC remedies, should not be used by people with other health conditions. Check with your doctor before taking any type of sleep aid. While alcohol may make you sleepy, it will also cause you to wake up a number of times during the night, leading to a less-than-restful, non-restorative sleep.
Common Sleep Myth #8
Prescription sleep aids are unsafe and I may become addicted to the medication.
There are some risks for dependency when taking sleep aids; however, when taken as prescribed, sleep aids can be an effective tool in treating your sleep issues. Discuss your options with your doctor.
Also, refer to our article The Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep to discover natural ways to get your body ready for sleep and to sleep more soundly throughout the night.
