Sleep myths debunked

Sleep fact or sleep fiction? There's a lot of misinformation out there, so sit back, relax, and let us do the heavy lifting (figuratively speaking, of course. No heavy lifting before bed) as we debunk some of the most common sleep myths.

Sleep myths coming in hot.

Myth #1: You need less sleep as you age.

False. Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you can skimp on sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aged 26-64 get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Once you pass 65 years old, that recommendation goes down a bit to 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day. And let's be real, you're never too old for a nap.

Myth #2: It's okay to catch up on sleep on the weekends.

Yeah, no. Sleeping in on the weekends may seem like the perfect solution, but it'll just mess with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Plus, you can't make up for lost sleep. It's best to try to get 7-9 hours each night instead.

Myth #3: Watching TV before bed will help you relax and fall asleep.

HA! Actually, the blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. You're better off watching a boring documentary or NCIS.

Myth #4: You can't die from lack of sleep.

Oh, but you can! Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, increase the risk of accidents and make you more susceptible to illnesses, like colds and flus.

Myth #5: Snoring is normal and not a cause for concern.

Snoring may be common, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. If you or your partner snore loudly and frequently, it's worth talking to a doctor.

Myth #6: If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, you're not tired.

So what if it takes you a little while to fall asleep? It's normal! If you're having trouble falling asleep, try relaxing techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

Myth #6.5: it's bad luck to sleep with a black cat on your nightstand.

Myth #7: It's fine to drink alcohol before bed to help you sleep.

Sorry to break it to you, but alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it can disrupt your sleep later in the night by reducing the amount of deep, restorative sleep you get. Save the alcohol for the morning after you've had a good night's rest. That's a joke.

Myth #8: You shouldn't wake a sleepwalker.

On the contrary! It's generally best to gently guide a sleepwalker back to bed, but if they're in danger (like about to walk out the door or off a cliff), go ahead and wake them up.

Myth #9: Dreams are just random thoughts.

Dreams may be hard to interpret, but they actually serve a purpose! Dreams help process and consolidate memories, and they can also help resolve conflicts or emotional issues. Yeah, even that dream you had of the giant rubber ducky.

Myth #10: It's not possible to sleep too much.

We get it, Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus sheets make it hard to get out of bed, but sleeping too much isn't healthy. While it's true that most people need at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night, it's also possible to sleep too much. Oversleeping has been linked to a number of health problems, like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

In summary, sleep myths are not always what they seem. It's important to separate fact from fiction to ensure that we get the best possible sleep. Happy snoozing!