There are a lot of myths surrounding sleep and sleeping habits. Some people think you can “catch up” on lost sleep on the weekends or that sleeping in will make you more tired. Others believe that screens before bed are bad for your sleep or that drinking coffee before bed will keep you up all night.
What if we told you that nothing is true about these myths? This blog post will debunk some of the most common sleeping myths and explain why they’re wrong. No matter if you’re a student who wants to get better grades, an employee who wants to be more productive, or just someone who wants a good night’s sleep, read on!
Myth 1. Drinking lots of water to keep hydration levels up.
You may have heard many times that drinking a lot of water before bed can help keep you hydrated. Unfortunately, this is just a myth. If you tend to drink a lot of water before bed can lead to disrupted sleep and irritability the next day. There is no doubt that you should stay hydrated during the day as it is essential for overall health. Limiting your water intake an hour or two before going to bed is best. If you need to quench your thirst before hitting the bed, opt for a small glass of water instead of chugging an entire bottle before bed. Otherwise, you could wake up multiple times throughout the night to use the restroom. Remember, those 8 hours of sleep are crucial for optimum health and performance the next day, so get enough restful sleep. So, leave that big glass of water on your nightstand for when you wake up in the morning instead.
Myth 2. Napping during the day will make you more tired at night
This is another common sleeping myth that isn’t true. While it’s true that napping during the day can make you feel more tired at first, it won’t necessarily keep you up at night. Taking a short nap during the day can help you feel more alert and improve your productivity. So, if you’re tired in the afternoon, don’t fight it – take a quick nap and see how you feel afterward. Just be sure to set the alarm, so you don’t sleep for too long and throw off your night-time sleeping schedule. You must also have the best mattress and pillows to have a sound sleep at night and also for having a power nap if needed. Now you may be wondering where to find the best hybrid mattresses, you can check them out from online stores.
Myth3. Drinking coffee before bed will keep you up all night
Coffee is a popular morning pick-me-up because it contains caffeine, a stimulant that can increase alertness and wakefulness. However, many believe coffee before bed will keep them up all night. This isn’t necessarily true. While caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours, its effects usually wear off after four or five hours. So if you drink coffee at 7 pm, you’re likely still to feel its effects until midnight or 1 am.
Myth4. Catching up on sleep on the weekends
If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter or had a few late nights in a row, you must have thought many times that you can “catch up” on lost sleep by sleeping in on the weekends. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Sleeping in on the weekends can help offset some of the sleep debt you’ve accrued, but it’s not a cure-all. And if you keep up a pattern of sleeping poorly during the week and sleeping in on the weekends, you may end up with what’s known as “social jet lag. Social jet lag is a circadian rhythm disruption that can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other health problems. So even though sleeping in on the weekends may seem like a good idea, it’s not always the best solution for getting quality sleep.
Myth5. Sleeping on your stomach is the best way to avoid snoring
While sleeping on your stomach may help to reduce snoring, it’s not the best position for overall sleep quality. If you sleep on your back, that will allow your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. This will also help in reducing pain and stiffness in these areas. It also decreases the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux or GERD symptoms. So, if you’re looking for the best sleeping position for snoring prevention, sleeping on your side is generally the best way to go. However, if you find that sleeping on your stomach is more comfortable, there’s no need to worry. As long as you’re getting quality sleep, it doesn’t matter what position you sleep in.
Myth 6. Alcohol before bed better the sleep quality
Alcohol can make you tired and help you fall asleep more quickly. However, drinking alcohol before bed can disrupt your sleep later in the night. Alcohol prevents you from entering deep sleep, which means you’ll be more likely to wake up at night. If you want to drink alcohol before bed, make sure to do so at least a few hours before you plan on sleeping.
Myth 7. Eating a big meal before bed will keep you up all night
This is a partially true myth. Having a big meal right before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep because you may be asleep, but your body will be working to digest the food. However, eating a small snack before bed is fine and can even help you sleep better. Avoid foods that are high in calories, as they can cause indigestion and keep you awake.
Myth 8. You need 8 hours of sleep every night
This is another partially true myth. Most people need around 8 hours of sleep per night, but some people can function fine on less. Some studies have even shown that sleeping more than 8 hours per night can harm your health. So, if you’re sleeping 8 hours a night and still feeling tired, it might be time to cut back on your sleep.
Myth 9. Wearing socks to bed will keep you warm
Wearing socks to bed might seem like an excellent way to keep yourself warm, but it will make you wake up at night more often in the middle of the night. When your body temperature drops at night, it’s a sign that it’s time to sleep. Wearing socks to bed can prevent your body from cooling down enough to fall asleep.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is struggling to get a good night’s sleep, don’t worry – you’re not alone. And although there are many myths about what does and doesn’t help when it comes to sleep, the good news is that we’ve got the facts for you. So instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or sleeping in on the weekends, try some of these scientifically-proven tips to get a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams!