Common myths about sleep you need to be wary of
| Apr 30, 2019, 11:28 IST
The health benefits of sleep have been well documented over the years. There is no doubt a good night's sleep can help us function well throughout the day. However, millions of people around the world suffer from a host of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation. There are also a number of myths about sleep that could do a lot of damage to our health.
"Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being. Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health,"lead author of a new study on sleep, Rebecca Robbins from New York University, told a news portal.
Here are some of the most common sleep myths you need to be wary of:
The unpleasant noise that produces snoring occurs when there is an obstacle in the mouth or nose that blocks breathing when you are asleep. This condition should not be taken lightly as it can cause sleep apnea. "Sleep apnea is when there are one or more pauses in breathing while you sleep. Pauses may last a few seconds to minutes, and as many as 30 times an hour. Breathing usually restarts with a loud snort or choking sound," Dr Dillon Dsouza, a Mumbai-based Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon with Jaslok Hospital and Desai hospital, told a news portal. If you snore really loudly or feel like you are running out of breath, it is time to seek professional help to tackle this issue.
2. You don't need lots of sleep as you age
This is one of the biggest misconceptions many people believe. The experts say, everyone, no matter what your age, needs at least seven hours of sleep. "The range of sleep for all adults is 6-8 hours. This also means that for someone above the age of 80, six hours of sleep is adequate for smooth functioning of the body," Pulmonologist Dr Vikas Maurya told a news portal. Till the age of 64, people need to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep, according to The National Sleep Foundation (US). Consult with a doctor if you are getting insufficient sleep.
3. Alcohol TV can put you in a relaxed state before bed
You may think a glass of wine just before bed is harmless. However, experts say an alcoholic beverage just before sleep is unhealthy and can make it more difficult for you to get your rest. One study published in the journal Scientific Reports also warns that blue light emitted from your digital device can cause you to stay awake and may cause damage to your eyes.
4.Sleep at any time
Sleep experts urge all people to stick to a routine in order to maintain a sleep schedule. This helps to keep our bodies’ internal clocks on track. Not having a routine can increase the risk of a host of health issues like heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
5. Your brain can function with a little sleep
Many studies have found that lack of sleep can inhibit your brain from functioning well. One study found people who sleep for less than seven hours were more likely to fall ill and experience emotional problems, impaired learning and poor judgement.
"Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being. Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health,"lead author of a new study on sleep, Rebecca Robbins from New York University, told a news portal.
Here are some of the most common sleep myths you need to be wary of:
The unpleasant noise that produces snoring occurs when there is an obstacle in the mouth or nose that blocks breathing when you are asleep. This condition should not be taken lightly as it can cause sleep apnea. "Sleep apnea is when there are one or more pauses in breathing while you sleep. Pauses may last a few seconds to minutes, and as many as 30 times an hour. Breathing usually restarts with a loud snort or choking sound," Dr Dillon Dsouza, a Mumbai-based Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon with Jaslok Hospital and Desai hospital, told a news portal. If you snore really loudly or feel like you are running out of breath, it is time to seek professional help to tackle this issue.
2. You don't need lots of sleep as you age
This is one of the biggest misconceptions many people believe. The experts say, everyone, no matter what your age, needs at least seven hours of sleep. "The range of sleep for all adults is 6-8 hours. This also means that for someone above the age of 80, six hours of sleep is adequate for smooth functioning of the body," Pulmonologist Dr Vikas Maurya told a news portal. Till the age of 64, people need to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep, according to The National Sleep Foundation (US). Consult with a doctor if you are getting insufficient sleep.
3. Alcohol TV can put you in a relaxed state before bed
You may think a glass of wine just before bed is harmless. However, experts say an alcoholic beverage just before sleep is unhealthy and can make it more difficult for you to get your rest. One study published in the journal Scientific Reports also warns that blue light emitted from your digital device can cause you to stay awake and may cause damage to your eyes.
4.Sleep at any time
Sleep experts urge all people to stick to a routine in order to maintain a sleep schedule. This helps to keep our bodies’ internal clocks on track. Not having a routine can increase the risk of a host of health issues like heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
5. Your brain can function with a little sleep
Many studies have found that lack of sleep can inhibit your brain from functioning well. One study found people who sleep for less than seven hours were more likely to fall ill and experience emotional problems, impaired learning and poor judgement.