Debunking Some of the Most Popular Myths Surrounding Sleep

As interest in sleep health gains more popularity, myths about it are also becoming more prevalent.  Lack of sleep is often the culprit of many health issues, but it is not always the only reason behind them. Still, it is a good thing to assess how we sleep and be aware of inaccurate beliefs about it. Here are some myths about sleep and sleep deprivation to watch out for:

Myth 1: You Have Sleep Deprivation If You Fall Asleep When You’re Not Supposed To 

This is just not true. There are a lot of people who fall asleep quickly and have difficulty staying awake, especially when they are tired. If you are tired during the day, you might need to catch up on your sleep before becoming more alert and energetic.

Myth 2: You Can Get a Good Night’s Rest If You Sleep in the Same Bed and Place 

This is not always the case. Your place of sleep can affect how well you sleep, but it is not always the best factor. Creating a routine is the best way to ensure a good night’s sleep. This means going to sleep at the same time every day and waking up in the same manner and time every day. It doesn’t really matter whether you sleep on the same bed or not.

Myth 3: You Will Sleep Better If You Are Sleeping Alone

This is not always the case. A lot of people sleep better if they are in the company of someone else, whether it is a partner or a pet. 

Myth 4: There Is Only One Type of Bed Good for Every Person

A lot of people are obsessed with choosing the best mattress for themselves. However, a soft one might not always be the ideal choice for everyone. Some people sleep better on the softer mattress, while others sleep better on the firm ones. You should find what works for you, not everyone else.

Myth 5: You Can Sleep When You Are Tired

If this is the case, then everyone would be sleeping all the time. The sleep cycle is systematic and cannot be forced when it is not time for it. There are ways to increase the chance of going to sleep at the right time, but it is not something that can be forced.

Myth 6: You Should Never Wake Up a Person Who Is Sleeping

Sometimes, waking up a person who is sleeping will have a positive effect on them. If you are woken up abruptly by someone else and are not in an alert mental state, it is best to let yourself wake up on your own.

Myth 7: The Quality of Your Sleep Can Be Determined By How Much You Are Sleeping

The quality of your sleep is affected by a lot of factors. You can sleep for an hour and wake up feeling refreshed, or you can sleep for ten hours but still feel tired. While the number of hours you sleep can sometimes tell how well you slept, it is only a part of the story.

Myth 8: You Can Only Get a Good Night’s Sleep If You Sleep at the Right Time

There is no right or wrong time to sleep. If you can sleep, then you should. You can’t force yourself to sleep when it is not time for it, but you can also make it easier by creating a routine and a comfortable environment for yourself.

Myth 9: Sleeping in during the Weekend Means You Are Getting Enough Sleep

Sleeping in during the weekend does not mean you got enough sleep. You don’t get more hours of sleep on a weekend than you do during the week. Sleeping in on the weekend is good, but you still have to get the right number of hours of sleep every day.

Conclusion

Sleep is an essential part of living. It’s something we do every day without fail. As more and more people are becoming health conscious, it is vital to look at how well we sleep. Hopefully, this article could enlighten you about common sleep myths you may have heard of. 

Are you looking for a Lethbridge sleep clinic? Check out Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic. We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve better sleep health. We provide sleep testing to help understand and assess underlying sleep conditions. Get an appointment today!