sleep myth
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.
Thomas Dekker
Sleep.
It’s one area of wellness that simply isn’t given the respect it deserves.
Most of us know we could be getting better rest. And yet most of us tend to rely on conventional wisdom, rather than taking a closer look at what the science of sleep actually has to say.
But, rest easy… because we’ve done the research for you.
If your attempts to drift off to dreamland have become kind of a nightmare… some common misinformation may be partially to blame!
Today we’re exposing 5 myths about sleep that might be robbing you of some much-needed rest!
Sleep Myth #1: The primary purpose of sleep is to rest the brain
This myth seems logical. But, while it’s true that sleep is a time of rest and repair for the body… the brain actually remains remarkably active when we sleep, controlling important functions like breathing and circulation.
Sleep Myth #2: Daytime drowsiness means you’re not getting enough sleep
If you’re falling asleep at your desk, it certainly seems reasonable to point to sleep deprivation as the cause. However, it’s entirely possible to get a full night of restful sleep and still experience drowsiness during the day. Hormonal changes, depression, sleep apnea, and a variety of other conditions may be at the root of your need for a midday snooze. Best to consult with your medical provider to be sure.
Sleep Myth #3: Sleep-focused apps can only help you
With so many cool emotional wellness apps and other tools on the market, it’s tempting to believe these hold the key to getting a good night’s sleep. But while some may experience a benefit from sleep-promoting technology, it’s also possible these tools are actually disrupting your sleep, through blue light exposure or over-stimulation.
Sleep Myth #4: If you often wake up in the middle of the night, you have insomnia
Intermittent wakefulness is one potential sign of insomnia… but it’s not the only sign. Other symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep, premature waking, and feeling unrested the next day. There are also many other reasons you might be waking in the middle of the night, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Again, we recommend consulting with your primary care provider to better understand what’s going on.
Sleep Myth #5: You can “catch up” on lost sleep
If only this one were true! Unfortunately, while that dreamy weekend sleep-in probably felt amazing… the truth is, it likely did little to make up for the sleep you missed out on during the week. Sleep deprivation (especially when it’s chronic) has been linked to serious deficits in attention, performance, stress management, and safety. So, aim for consistent sleep throughout the week, and you’ll be much better off!
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Not Feeling Particularly Grateful
Self-Compassion: 4 Ways to Start Practicing It Today
Your Emotional Wellness: 50+ Ways to Support It
Has a sleep myth from this list been getting in your way?