Sleeping myths are very common and are frequently confused with sleeping facts.

Some of these sleeping myths you may find evident, others you may not. With this list I will improve your knowledge on sleeping myths so you can improve your sleep.

Myth 1: The older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need.

Fact: Sleep experts recommend a total sleep time of seven to nine hours of sleep for the average adult. Sleep patterns change as people age, but the amount of sleep they generally need does not. Older people may wake more frequently through the night and may actually get less nighttime sleep, but their need for sleep is no less than that of younger adults. Older people tend to sleep more during the day because they may sleep less during the night.

Myth 2: Sleep is a time when your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation.

Fact: No evidence shows that any major organ (including the brain) or regulatory system in the body shuts down during sleep. Some physiological processes actually become more active while you sleep. For example, secretion of certain hormones is boosted, and activity of the pathways in the brain needed for learning and memory is heightened.

Myth 3: Snoring is Normal

Fact: While snoring is common during sleep, frequent snoring can indicate serious sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If you are a frequent, loud snore, see your doctor about being assessed for sleep apnea. Treatments are available and you (and your partner) will have more energy during the day.

Myth 4: A good workout in the evening will make you tired so you’ll fall asleep faster.

Fact: Exercising regularly does make it easier to fall asleep. But make sure you finish working out at least three hours before bedtime–preferably in the afternoon. A cooler body makes it easier to fall asleep. Exercise raises your body temperature and it takes about six hours to get back to normal temperature.

Myth 5: Naps are Wasteful

Fact: Although naps do not substitute for a good night’s sleep, they can be restorative and help counter some of the impaired performance that results from not getting enough sleep at night. Naps can actually help you learn how to do certain tasks quicker. But avoid taking naps later than 3 p.m., as late naps can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night. Also, limit your naps to no longer than 1 hour because longer naps will make it harder to wake up and get back in the swing of things. If you take frequent naps during the day, you may have a sleep disorder that should be treated.

Myth 6: Extra Sleep Helps Fatigue

Fact: Some people assume that if they feel tired during the day, then they should sleep longer at night. This is not necessarily true. If a person is getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, then he or she should seek another source for their fatigue. Some sleep disorders decrease sleep quality, even though the person is getting enough sleep. Many medical conditions can cause fatigue. If you are sleeping long enough but are still tired, try some exercise and daylight exposure during the day. If that doesn’t help, see your doctor.

Myth 7: Sex at night will only arouse you and keep you up.

Fact: Actually, sex releases endorphins that make you feel good about yourself, so it relieves stress making it easier to fall asleep.

Myth 8: You can make up for lost sleep during the week by sleeping more on the weekends.

Fact: Although this sleeping pattern will help relieve part of a sleep debt, it will not completely make up for the lack of sleep. This pattern also will not make up for impaired performance during the week because of not sleeping enough.

Furthermore, sleeping later on the weekends can affect your biological clock so that it is much harder to go to sleep at the right time on Sunday nights and get up early on Monday mornings.

Myth 9: Insomnia is caused by Worry

Fact: While worry and stress can interfere temporarily with sleep, insomnia is often caused by other factors. Medications and medical conditions can keep a person from falling asleep. These conditions include depression, anxiety, asthma, arthritis and other conditions which worsen at night.

Myth 10: Cozying up under heavy blankets will make you go to sleep faster.

Fact: The body gets into sleep mode more easily when it is at a cooler temperature. So if you must use a squishy down comforter (or two), open the window a crack to let in some fresh air. You don’t want to be cold, but you don’t want to get too warm either.

Guest Post by:  Sleep-Aid-Center

Related posts:

1. Body Clocks and Sleep
2. 10 Dangerous Enemies of Sleep
3. Optimize Your Sleep : Lack or Excess of Sleep is Unhealthy and Increase Mortality
4. 7 Healthy Benefits of a your Good Night’s Sleep
5. The ‘worst sleep’ of the week: Sunday Night