We’re all aware of the importance of a good night’s sleep, but according to a study published in the journal Sleep Health, we don’t fully appreciate the science behind it.
And that’s important, as sleep education is vital for your health and well-being. In the study, sleep experts analyzed data from over 8,000 websites, and found an enduring – and potentially dangerous – sleep myth claiming you only need five hours of sleep to function.
Other pervasive sleep myths like “sleeping in during the weekends is a good way to ensure you get adequate sleep,” and “snoring is harmless,” were prevalent, too. Both are in fact, false: Sleeping in disrupts your natural circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), which manages your sleep-wake cycle and dictates your most productive time of day, and snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder.
“Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and wellbeing,” the study’s lead investigator, Rebecca Robbins, PhD, said in a press release. “Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health.”
Related: 3 Ways to Get a Better Sleep
Robbins and her team found a consistent sleep schedule that includes at least seven hours of sleep every night ensures you’re well rested. So, don’t believe those who brag about getting by on four or five hours of sleep – it isn’t healthy.
“Sleep is important to health, and there needs to be greater effort to inform the public regarding this important public health issue,” said the study’s senior investigator Girardin Jean-Louis, PhD.
Photo Credit: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com; tommaso79/Shutterstock.com
