Restorative sleep can do wonders for your body. From helping to fight illness and improving memory to boosting mood and increasing focus, getting enough quality sleep is as important to your health as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising. Still, there are some things that may be impeding your attempts to get a good night’s sleep. To help you avoid misinformation that could be keeping you from adequate rest, here are three myths and their corresponding truths.
MYTH No. 1: A nightcap will help you sleep better.
No, we’re not talking about the cloth hat Ebenezer Scrooge wore to be in “A Christmas Carol.” We’re referring to those two glasses of Scotch you drink while you check email on your tablet before you call it a night.
Although alcohol may help you relax, making you think it lulls you into a deep sleep, the truth is multiple studies have shown that alcohol actually prevents you from getting deep, restful sleep.
Instead, opt for some tea made with chamomile, lavender or valerian root.
MYTH No. 2: Loud snoring is normal.
Just because a lot of men (and some women) snore loudly doesn’t mean it’s always harmless. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, which can be dangerous if left untreated. People with sleep apnea are at a greater risk of several health problems, including stroke, heart attack and depression.
If you snore loudly, make an appointment with your doctor, who can set you up with a specialist. You may be given a CPAP machine and instructed to lose weight, if you’re overweight or obese, as excess weight has been shown to contribute to sleep apnea.
MYTH No. 3: Some people can function well with just a few hours of sleep.
Functioning and functioning well are two different things. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep to function “normally,” and there’s no such thing as “catching up on sleep” on the weekends.
