Since childhood, we’ve heard various notions surrounding sleep. We couldn’t help noticing the fact that most of them are about wanting to fall asleep or sleeplessness. Very tiny bits of information are shared with regards to the importance of waking up, the number of hours of sleep required, and so on – the very aspects of sleep which are being heavily researched upon in this day and age by researchers, sleep analysts, and scientists alike!
The past 20 years have been tremendously conducive to the growth of sleep science. Sleep science can be broadly classified as an understanding process of what happens when we fall asleep. Sleep science studies the consequences of what sleeping does to the human body, physically as well as mentally.
In order to fulfill and understand the importance of a regulated sleeping pattern and hygiene, it is essential to get the basics straight. To inculcate a healthy sleeping schedule into one’s life it is necessary to let go of certain sleeping myths and notions that might just hinder the progress subconsciously.
In 2019, the Sleep Foundation put together an expert panel to solely identify the most common myths that can tend to create problematic views on any sleep-related activity. The Sleep Foundation observes that ‘reviewing these and other myths is an opportunity to learn the facts, set the record straight, and find ways to help get the sleep that you need’
So, what are the most popular sleeping myths that absolutely need to be debunked?
- Myth: It is easy to catch up on sleep.
Turns out, this is the most commonly believed and practiced belief. We must all take into consideration that when it comes to sleep – time is money. There is no way to compensate for lost sleep by sleeping an extra 3-4 hours. A one or a two-hour nap might just rejuvenate you, but sleep experts do not recommend this as sleeping during odd hours can mess up your levels of focus and concentration.
- Myth: The older you get, the lesser is your need to sleep.
Absolutely NOT. An adult body requires at least 7-8 hours of not just good, but a great night’s sleep! Major wear and tear happen during the deepest phase of your sleep and it is more than required to get an undisturbed night’s sleep, even if you are a young adult or old.
- Myth: Reading induces sleep.
Love taking a book to bed? Well, this one might hit hard then. If specialists are to be believed, no external activity should be conducted after you’ve hit the bed, other than lying down and falling asleep. The more you keep your brain active, the more difficult it gets to ‘fall asleep’ Maintaining clear, clean sleep hygiene is sufficient enough to get good sleep.
- Myth: The more you sleep, the better it is.
Years of research indicate that most Americans fall short of the required 7-8 hours of sleep. Barring that, there is a percentage of Americans who get close to 10-11 hours of sleep daily. Even so, sleep experts do not see this as a good sign. Excessive sleep is often linked to diabetes, heart trouble, and obesity. WebMD observes that ‘long sleepers were
25 percent more likely to gain 11 pounds over six years than people who slept the average amount. If you notice yourself clocking more sleep than usual, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a checkup’
- Myth: Dreams occur during the deepest state of sleep ONLY.
It is commonly accepted that dreams happen during the REM stage of sleep i.e, the deepest stage of sleep. While the most theoretically intense dreams do occur during the REM stage, but dreaming tends to occur at every sleep stage with varying intensity and vividness.
- Myth: Good sleep is usually characterized by zero movements.
The Sleep Foundation clearly states that ‘movements during sleep are generally only a concern if they are one or more of the following:
- Prolonged or chronic
- Abnormal (such as sleepwalking)
- Aggressive or violent
- Bothersome to a bed partner
- Causing nighttime awakenings’
- Myth: The brain is inactive during all stages of sleep.
Again, this one is the most commonly believed and accepted myth across the globe! In fact, since decades ago, research in sleep science has proven the fact that the human brain remains quite active at every stage of sleep. This helps in body repair work as well as inducing lucid dreaming voluntarily or involuntarily.
The quality of sleep depends on innumerable factors. Counting the number of hours is just not enough to ensure that. Guided sleep analysis preferably by an expert or a sleep aid device has proven to be quite beneficial in today’s time. Sleep analysis helps identity abnormalities at an early stage, giving an individual ample time and space to make it alright.
