5 Sleep Myths Debunked

Sleep Myths Debunked.

There are lots of sleep myths around and especially so on the worldwide web. We’re here to debunk 5 of the most common sleep myths. Indeed, a lot of these sleep myths are in fact damaging. Here at Beds on Legs, we’re super passionate about delivering the facts. Therefore, we’re constantly reviewing the sleep science so we can pass on the most recent information. Here, we will discuss some of the most common sleep myths that are doing more harm than good.

Sleep Myth # 1 An Alcoholic Tipple Can Aid Sleep.

Lots of people falsely believe that an alcoholic tipple before bedtime can benefit sleep. Indeed, alcohol may help get you off to sleep but we’re sorry to say that it hampers quality of sleep.  Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your quality of sleep. Having said this, the more you consume the worse the effects. The reason why it affects our sleep is because we end up with less REM sleep. This is the stage of sleep that is responsible for restoring our bodies.

Sleep Myth # 2 Your Body Gets Used to Less Sleep

We’ve all heard the line ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’. However, the body and mind need consistently good sleep otherwise there will be repercussions. Whilst an occasional sleepless night won’t have a huge impact, constantly sleeping less than you need will cause havoc on your mental and physical well-being.  

Sleep Myth # 3 Once A Poor Sleeper, Always A Poor Sleeper.

Lots of people believe because they are currently a poor sleeper, they will always be one. However, for most of us, sleep can always be improved. Whilst you will have to make adjustments to your sleep schedule and environment it is possible to become a good sleeper. As with a lot of things, it is more than likely that you have picked up some bad habits that are hampering your sleep. For example, you may be spending too much time on your phone before you hit the sack. You can read our tips to help you fall asleep here.

Sleep Myth # 4 You Can Use the Weekend to Catch Up on Sleep.

Many people think that they can pay their ‘sleep debt’ at the weekend. But we’re afraid we’ve got some bad news for you. Unfortunately, sleeping in on the weekend doesn’t make up for lost sleep during the week. The damage from sleep deprivation cannot be undone once it has been done. Therefore, you should try to keep to a sleep schedule both in the week and at the weekend.

Sleep Myth # 5 Older People Need Less Sleep.

An extremely common misconception is that older people need less sleep. However, researchers have concluded that as we age most people still need between seven and nine hours sleep. Whilst there is a very small percentage of people who have a genetic mutation that means they can sleep less this is not the norm.