Close X
Saturday, November 30, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Darpan News Desk IANS, 16 Apr, 2019 06:45 PM
  • Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Common myths around sleep like snoring is harmless or having a drink helps fall asleep not only shape poor habits but may also pose a significant public health threat, say researchers.


The claim by some people that they can get by on five hours of sleep was among the top myths researchers were able to dispel based on scientific evidence.


This myth also poses the most serious risk to health from long-term sleep deficits, said the study published online in Sleep Health journal on Tuesday.


"Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being," said study lead investigator Rebecca Robbins at New York University Langone Health.


"Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health," she added.


To reach this conclusion, researchers reviewed more than 8,000 websites to identify the 20 most common assumptions about sleep.


With a team of sleep medicine experts, they ranked them based on whether each could be dispelled as a myth or supported by scientific evidence, and on the harm that the myth could cause.


Another common myth relates to snoring.


While snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder.


The authors encourage patients not to dismiss loud snoring, but rather to see a doctor since this sleep behaviour may lead to heart stoppages or other illnesses.


The study authors also found sufficient evidence that, despite beliefs to the contrary, drinking alcoholic beverages before bed is indeed unhealthy for sleep.


"Sleep is important to health, and there needs to be greater effort to inform the public regarding this important public health issue," noted study senior investigator Girardin Jean Louis.


Robbins and her colleagues suggest creating a consistent sleep schedule and spending more time, at least seven hours, asleep.

MORE Life ARTICLES

Humans Began Eating Grapes 22,000 Years Ago: Study

Humans Began Eating Grapes 22,000 Years Ago: Study
Humans started consuming grapes nearly 22,000 years ago when the ice sheets covering much of North America and Europe began retreating, finds a genomic study.

Humans Began Eating Grapes 22,000 Years Ago: Study

Social Media May Not Affect Your Mental Health

Social Media May Not Affect Your Mental Health
The increasing use of social media has always been associated with the deteriorating mental health of the young generation. But take heart, as social media use may not affect mental health, says a new research.

Social Media May Not Affect Your Mental Health

This Drug May Reduce Urge To Binge Drink Alcohol

This Drug May Reduce Urge To Binge Drink Alcohol
Researchers have found a new drug that may eventually help to change drinking behaviour in adults who used to binge during their adolescent years.

This Drug May Reduce Urge To Binge Drink Alcohol

Use Wet Wipes Instead of Toilet Papers, Says Doctors

Use Wet Wipes Instead of Toilet Papers, Says Doctors
Many celebrities including Will Smith also agree that toilet papers are not enough and you should use wet wipes or baby wipes. 

Use Wet Wipes Instead of Toilet Papers, Says Doctors

Daylight Time Comes To An End This Weekend -- Amid Renewed Scrutiny

Daylight Time Comes To An End This Weekend -- Amid Renewed Scrutiny
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday in most parts of the country, with many Canadians dreading the darkness that will come earlier every night until the solstice on Dec. 21.

Daylight Time Comes To An End This Weekend -- Amid Renewed Scrutiny

In Praise Of Veganism: From Fad To Growing Food Habit

In Praise Of Veganism: From Fad To Growing Food Habit
In a world where people are looking to turn to healthier foods and lifestyles, veganism could just be the need of the hour.

In Praise Of Veganism: From Fad To Growing Food Habit