Busting sleep myths
At That's Fit, we've discussed the importance of good sleep many times. A restful night's sleep can boost your energy, help manage stress, and can even help you maintain a healthy weight. But there are a lot of notions about good sleep that may or may not be true. To help you decipher fact from fiction, Revolution Health busts some of those sleep myths. - Myth: Health issues have no relation to sleep. Fact: Other health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and depression can lead to sleeplessness or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Myth: The older you get, the less sleep you need. Fact: The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep. Older adults may have more disturbed sleep, so a short nap during the day can help them catch up on their body's need for sleep.
- Myth: Snoring isn't harmful. Fact: While, for some people, snoring is nothing but a nuisance, it can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Gallery: Busting Sleep Myths
- Myth: You can "cheat" on the amount of sleep you need. Fact: Cutting out an hour of sleep here or there may not seem like a big deal, but in time that sleep deficit will build up.
- Myth: Teens who fall asleep in class are lazy. Fact: Teens need at least 8.5-9.25 hours of sleep each night. However, their internal clocks keep them awake until late at night and their schedules often require they wake up early.
- Myth: Insomnia is a difficulty falling asleep. Fact: Difficulty falling asleep is only one symptom of insomnia. Waking up frequently or too early, and not being refreshed by sleep are also signs of insomnia.
- Myth: Daytime sleepiness means you're not getting enough sleep at night. Fact: That could be. But prolonged and excessive sleepiness can also be the sign of an underlying medical condition.
- Myth: During sleep, your brain rests. Fact: During sleep, your body rests but your brain remains active.
- Myth: If you wake up during the night you should stay in bed and try to get back to sleep. Fact: If you're still awake after 15-20 minutes, it's best to get up and do something else. Try a restful activity like reading a book or listening to music.
Summer Slimdown Guide: Instant self-confidence boosters
When do calories really count?_thumbnail.jpg)
Summer Slimdown Guide: Calorie-free foods (or close to it)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-12-2008 @ 1:46PM
Vishaal said...
I sleep 8 to 9 hours about 6 nights a week...however, caffeine has a sneeky way of creeping up in my daily activities. I really need to watch that because it throws off my sleep schedule due to not feeling sleepy at 9pm.
Reply