We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it is normal to have a great interest in this natural process. Experts are constantly trying to figure out why we need sleep and what happens when we travel to the world of dreams. Let’s find out what are the most common sleep myths and the facts behind them.
Myth #1 The afternoon nap is a waste of time.
If you didn’t sleep well last night, nothing can refresh you better than an afternoon nap. It will recover your energy and you will be able to complete the day without problems. Be careful, the nap should not last more than 45 minutes because you may feel sleepy.
Myth #2 If you can’t fall asleep, lie down until you’re asleep.
Did you think you would sleep as soon as you put your head on a pillow? Those nights are rare. More and more people are struggling to fall asleep due to stress, anxiety, and other problems they face every day. When you can’t fall asleep, it’s a good idea to lie down for 15-20 minutes and do your best to fall asleep. However, if you are having difficulties, it is better to get out of bed because you risk anxiety and frustration. The next time you face this type of problem, get out of bed and listen to music or read a book. When you feel your eyes droop, go back to bed.
Myth #3 Everyone should sleep 8 hours a day.
8 is not magic, but an average number of hours needed for a person to sleep and function normally. Although Thomas Edison slept 4 hours a day and Bill Clinton claims that 4-5 hours a day is enough for him, the chances that you belong to this group of people are small. Experts estimate that only 10% of people are “programmed” to sleep more or less than the recommended 7-8 hours.
Myth #4 Exercising before going to bed will make you tired and you will fall asleep more easily
A workout will really help you sleep better, but only if you practice at least 3 hours before bed. Otherwise, a workout can delay your sleep. The reason is that exercise heats up your body and you can easily fall asleep if your body has a lower body temperature. After exercise, it takes about 6 hours for the body to return to its normal temperature. You should train in the morning or in the afternoon, but not at night.
Myth #5 It doesn’t matter what time you go to bed
“Night owls” are more likely to have more symptoms of depression than those who go to bed earlier, even when sleeping the same number of hours. Research shows that going to bed later can not only cause depression, but it can also make you moody and negatively affect your overall health. If you want to change your sleep routine, you should go to bed about 15 minutes earlier than the night before.